How to Identify a Jeep Transfer Case
If you are having a problem with your Jeep transfer case, you need to identify what model it is before you can replace or repair the case. The New Process transfer cases were used in most Jeep vehicles over the past 20 years, and they can easily be identified if you know what to look for. There are physical characteristics of each case that can make it easier to identify, but by far the most reliable way is to decode the information on the identification tag attached to the case.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Raise your Jeep off the ground with a jack and position a set of jack stands under the frame to support the Jeep. You need to crawl under the Jeep, and in some cases, you may not need to jack it up, but if you do, the jack stands will keep the Jeep from moving while you are under it.
-
2
Locate the transfer case at the rear of the transmission. The identification tag is attached to the back of the case on the drivers side of the Jeep. On New Process transfer cases, it is a round tag with a single screw in the center of the tag that holds it to the case.
-
-
3
Clean any grease or dirt off the tag with a clean rag and a small amount of degreaser or comparable cleaner. Look for the numbers and letters stamped into the tag. The model number will be a three digit number on the top line on the left side of the tag.
-
4
Locate the letters on the tag right after the model number on the top line. On Jeep transfer cases this will be a YJ, WJ, TJ or similar sequence, and these letters indicate which type of Jeep that case is designed to fit. These letters are the Jeep build designation for the model. If you are not sure what yours is, check with your Jeep dealer.
-
5
Locate the numbers on the second line of the tag. There are eight numbers and two letters in the sequence that indicate the part number of the transfer case. The third line is the build date of the transfer case, which will give you an idea of when that case was assembled. Just because the Jeep is a '95 model doesn't mean the case was built in '95, and that may be important when buying internal parts or components.
-
6
Locate the numbers on the last line. This will be a three-number sequence and indicates the low range gear ratio of the transfer case. For instance, if it is a 272, it should be read as 272 to 1 ratio.
-
7
Remove the jack stands and lower the Jeep to the ground with your jack. You now have all the information needed to buy parts or a replacement transfer case for your Jeep.
-
1
