chiph9

I'm thinking of flat-towing my GX and need to know what the internal lubrication is like for the transfer case.

Often there is a splash gear on one of the shafts to circulate the gear lube. If there is one, is it on the input or the output shafts?

It might rely on the gears just dipping down into the lube, in which case I'm fine. Otherwise I'll have to buy a 12v lube pump to keep it from overheating.

Something else to worry about is it popping out of neutral if I hit a big pothole - I'm thinking I can fabricate something to hold the shift lever in place - a metal bar or brace I can velcro the shift lever to.

Anyone have any internal pics of the transfer case with the cover off?

Thanks.
Chip H.

LexRex

You think removing the propeller shafts might be easier?

chiph9

Southwest Driveline sells disconnect kits, but I'd need two of them, and I'm not sure there's room for one on the front shaft.

Chip H.

LexRex

So you're thinking of doing this flat towing on a recurring basis, not just a one time deal?

chiph9

Yes. Blue Ox sells a tow adapter that bolts to the front of the GX, and I'd hitch it to the back of a motorhome.

I'm thinking of getting a remote-read thermocouple and finding a place that has a rolling road to see what the temperature rise might be like. Big temp increase shortly after putting it on there means "not gonna work", but if it rises to 15-20 degrees above outside temps and stays there, then I think it'll be ok.

Chip H.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

I have a split open transfer case in my garage, what exactly do you want a picture of?
I am pretty sure the lubrication only happens when the input spins, the output spinning does not generally do it.
from what I have read most 4runner owners with auto transmissions pull the driveshafts for anything more than around the block.

I have seen pictures of broken transfer cases from towing improperly on 4runners, the part where the front driveshaft goes into just rips out.
its probably better that we have full time 4wd and can put the transfer case in a real neutral with the lever, but I am not sure if it gives us a free pass on having to pull the shafts, I dont think it does.
I would look up on the other forums for v8 4runners and full time 4x4 landruisers those are AWD as well. 100 series LC has an open center diff though and is a different unit than ours as a note.

Here is a pic of the better half of the transfer case pulled apart.
I also attached the pdf for our transfer case, ours is the "VF4BM" transfer case.

chiph9

Yes, that's the question.

Thanks for the pic and the PDF. I'll get under the vehicle tonight to verify orientation and fluid level.

I'd rather not have to buy a trailer, but if I have to, at least it'd give me extra storage. The Haulmarks are good, but expensive.

http://www.haulmark.com/transportV-auto_car-trailer/

Chip H.