Transfer Case Chain.

[alexbrown64]

Hi fellow Jeepers,

I am in the process of rebuilding my '95 XJ Cherokee NP242J transfer case with new seals, bearings and chain.
I have had the parts for about a year. Tcase has done 325,000 and i could hear the original Borg Warner/Morse HV028 chain starting to rattle.

Anyway, i took everything apart and noticed a few things. My original chain is the rocker joint type, which was a little more expensive than the roll pin type. Thats Ok, as they are interchangeable.
But if you notice the pic below, the new Cloyes (Made in USA) chain on the right, has sloppy plates in some areas (they are tight in other areas with no gap). The Borg Warner on the left is tight all over and seems higher quality.

Has anyone notices this sort of thing in chains before. I will email the suppliere and manufacturer, as i am not sure this is correct in a new chain.



Cheers,

[ren0vator]

Chains take their load longitudinally (length ways)
So if there is a bit of lateral slop (side to side) no big deal
Yes it does indicate a better quality chain on the left
Yes the chain on the left will last longer
If you can afford another another Borg Warner chain then do it
Otherwise don't sweat it too much because everything is made in China now

[alexbrown64]

Thanks for the quick response Reno..
Just annoying that i thought i was getting an OEM spec chain and i can see and feel the difference in quality...
Yep, very hard to get away from the China thing now. When they print "Made in USA" on the box, thats exactly what they mean.. the box was made in the USA.... the content though were made in China.

I will consider running with the Cloyes, but i have time now.. as my "full rebuild kit" for the Tcase had only 4 seals even though the pic showed 8. Three of these are wrong.. so i have to sort that out.
Went to "Covs" and they looked bewildered when i asked for input, output and oil pump seals for a NP242J... they kind of kept looking over at the window wipers blades, seat covers and cans of degreaser.

Cheers,