Where can I buy new viscous coupling for transfer case?

[priya]

I've got the trans in my 81 SX/4 and when I grab the front diveshaft yoke and the rear driveshaft yoke I can turne one while holding the other stationary with very little effort.  I read on another member's thread that it should take quite a bit of pressure to do this so I think the viscous coupling in my transfer case is gone.  I know Autozone sells a complete rebuilt unit for $620 with exchange but I'm thinking by the time I pay shipping for two transfer cases and duty and "brokerage fees" the total cost is going to be $1000 - $1200.

My husband says a better idea would be to buy a new viscous coupling and he can install it himself.  Do any of you know where I can get one?  My SX/4 is full time 4 wheel drive I'm not sure which case that is, perhaps NP119?

[Jurjen]

The clutch itself is expensive too:

http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog/transfer_case_replacements_and_parts/np229.html

$745........

[priya]

That web site does not appear to have any parts for an NP119.

[thereverendbill]

the 119 that i installed in my wagon was the same way

[priya]

the 119 that i installed in my wagon was the same way

You mean it was very easy to turn one yoke while holding the other stationary?  Was your transfer case good?

[captspillane]

Somewhere I have a link to a company that sells refurbished units and upgrade parts. I thought they had them for under a 100 dollars. I'll start searching for where I saved that link. This is an awesome write up I just found online detailing how someone changed it on a 249. We should have the same exact coupling and similar installation steps in our Eagle transfer cases.

http://www.masoncomputing.com/np249/

You're supposed to use anearobic sealer instead of RTV. Thats a type of sealer that stays liquid in the presence of oxygen. I've heard horror stories of excess RTV breaking off inside the case and clogging oiling holes, which burns up bearings pretty quick.

You're right that a properly working Viscous coupling will resist you a great deal. I've heard of people driving for a few hours in 4WD without a front driveshaft before the viscous coupling gets smoked. It should be strong enough to propel the car forward. Once it burns out its not that big of a deal, since some Eagles don''t even have one. It a normal open differential once they stop working. Very few Eagle owners have working units.

[priya]

Thanks Captspillane.

[mudkicker715]

Not sure about a249, but I will be writing up a vc swap on a 229 soon. Provided I do not have a girly scream while doing so.a 229 is basically the same as a 119.

[priya]

a 229 is basically the same as a 119.

According to the link Jurjen posted a 229 is selectable 2/4wd.  Mine is not, its full time 4wd.

[mudkicker715]

Same vc however. Its shared by a few cases

[priya]

Same vc however. Its shared by a few cases

Are you sure?  The link Jurjen posted shows the VC for the 229 at $750 whereas Autozone sells the complete rebuilt transfer case for $620 with core.  In Jurjen's link the VC is about 1/3 the cost of the entire rebuild kit, on that basis the Autozone VC should be about $200.

[mudkicker715]

I will say 99% sure. That vc is shared by a few others as well. Tomorrow i'm rebuilding my 229 with a chain from iirc a 119 and a vc from a 129. Might use the 129's chain. But for giggles. Lets have someone hold my beer and watch this. Haha. Otherwise pretty certain as said.

[Jurjen]

For the 229 I can find prices ranging from 400 to 450$.
Maybe you can give the drivetrain guys a call.

In the TSM  is a procedure with a torque wrench to check the VC.
Note that the VC is not "locked" when the silicone fluid is cold and will start locking when heating up.
When you find small silicon droplets in the TC oil, you will know that the VC is gone.

[mudkicker715]

Here's my dilema (spell check retard moment).

http://forums.amceaglenest.com/index.php?topic=36572.0

As far as what jurjen says. There is a torque value for give. That iirc is 50lbs cold. Jack a front put a torque wrench on a front jacked tire with all others on ground. Chock ground tire.  And use torque wrech to read. If good should be 50lbs to turn.

[priya]

For the 229 I can find prices ranging from 400 to 450$.
Maybe you can give the drivetrain guys a call.

The drivetrain guys list the VC for the 229 for $750.  I'm thinking the VC for the 119 must be available a great deal cheaper elsewhere if Autozone can sell a complete rebuilt 119 transfer case for $620.