Transfer Case Protection

[prossett]

I've just taken my 10-day-old '83 Jimmy's sidesteps off and had a good look at what the lowest point is: clearly the transfer case, about an inch lower than the gear box skid plate and way lower than the frame.

That's bad news for me as I drive in sand dunes, and when cresting the central part of the frame often slides over the dune with all the truck's weight on it. Sometimes you get stuck there with all 4 wheels spinning, and that's definitely not going to work with the transfer case holding up the truck.

Without swapping in another transfer case - I have the N208 - what's the best way to protect it?

 

[readymix]

Build a slider/skid plate for it

 

[mrk5]

Build a slider/skid plate for it

Or the next step would be to clock the transfercase up. If you do a search for "clocking" you'll find plenty about it.

I have the same problem with rocks that you do with dunes, so I will be clocking my transfercase.

Here the truck was sitting only on the skid plate for the transfercase:

 

[chevyin]

skid plate

I ride dunes here all the time and am constantly riding the skid plate over a razorback, definitely what you need. Just remember to wash the sand out of it each time you wheel. I always get quite the pile of sand from it when I hose it out, which means it's working. I think Ive made my yard a couple inches taller with all the sand I bring home from the dunes and wash off the truck.

 

[prossett]

From what I can tell in my newbie fog of ignorance - but I will learn, people, I will learn - clocking the transfer case means turning it on its side? It seems a bit beyond me at this stage as wouldn't that mess with the driveshafts, too? Here's some great pics I found from the search: http://www.socalbigdawgs.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album56&page=1

Now fabbing a skid plate might be more within reach... I'll have to have a good look underneath tomorrow and see what the possibilities are. I can't leave it hanging there or it'll just mean I'll bust it.

chevyin, sounds like we drive the same kind of terrain - what's your skid plate look like? Measurements? Where did you buy it, or did you make it? My yard IS sand!!!!

 

[85mudblazin]

Heres mine. It is made out of 1/4" plate and is 1/2" thick on the main bottom skid with 1/4" sides. The "mini" skid is also 1/4". It works well for sliding over rocks but I do hit it pretty often. I also added a brace for the rear part. I can jack up the whole truck on the skid and it doesnt even budge.
I do plan to clock it a little bit (dont want to clock it fully since that wont work with my 52's and stock front DS). Then I am going to make a new crossmember/skid for more clearance.