I have a 03 crew cab short box all factory (so far). had it about a year now and just recently it developed a crack on the casing between the tranny and transfer case is there any way to fix it without replacing the entire tranny or am I better off to buy an after market built tranny?

Not sure where exactly you are talking about but you might search here for pump rub and see if related to same location.

Brian

It is the notorious extension housing, suncoast sells a billet version. Lots of these disussed in length around here.

The suncoast billet extension housing costs a fortune. The stockers do crack but not terribly often. Usually is it a result of some other problem, i.e. a vibration in your driveshaft. I replaced mine with another stock extension housing and have yet to have another issue.

The 2005 and later stock extension housing was beefed up. Buy a new one and you'll get the improvements. But also have your u-joints and driveline balance checked.

I think this is a fix to that problem. I plan on getting one as a preventitive maintenance.
http://www.merchant-automotive.com/suncoasttransfercasebrace.aspx

The transfer case brace is a great add on and definitely helpful and necessary if you are into pulling or racing. BUT, it will not make you immune to cracks from driveline vibrations. My REH cracked due to a very badly worn out u-joint which led to the vibration. I had the transfer case brace installed when the crack occurred. I still have the brace on today. Point is, you can still crack it with the brace on if you have a severe vibration in the driveline.