I was just wondering if anyone has had a cracked case. I have a 04 truck 4 wheel drive 35,000 miles. It is being repaired at the dealer as we speak. I know the repair guy and he said he has seen a few others like mine all 4 wheel drive. Gm say's the cracks are caused by driveline vibrations related to the drive shaft.
Thanks for the help. Steve

If my memory is working right suncoast has a transfer cas brace and several of are supporting vendors sell them for a couple hunderd bucks or so check it out





05 dmax far from stock

Here's the link to the brace.
http://www.suncoastconverters.com/gmc/gm_products.html

Yep....they hung too much weight on our drivetrains without proper support. That brace helps a lot.

I have seen a few roll thru my tranny shop. Had one about a month ago actually. The U-joints on the rear drive shaft go first causing a driveline vibration that the customer ignores. This then cracks the extension housing between the transmission and the transfer case. -Mat-

I have seen a few roll thru my tranny shop. Had one about a month ago actually. The U-joints on the rear drive shaft go first causing a driveline vibration that the customer ignores. This then cracks the extension housing between the transmission and the transfer case. -Mat-

at what kind of milage should i look to replace the U joints? thnks

I've heard a lot of people didn't even know their U-joints where bad and this happened. Turns out they were bad but there were none of the usual signs.

Or someone just does alot of high boosted 4x4 launches with N2O and kersploads it ):h

Its a weak point. They have a stronger peice(cant remember if 04 got it) but it still can grenade even in stock power and normal ussage.

Update on the cracked tranny case. I got my truck back today. They did replace the mid case section and rebalanced the drive shaft..... it was way out of balance. Thanks for all the excelent information I ordered a Suncoast tranny brace today. Thanks again Steve

Update on the cracked tranny case. I got my truck back today. They did replace the mid case section and rebalanced the drive shaft..... it was way out of balance. Thanks for all the excelent information I ordered a Suncoast tranny brace today. Thanks again Stevewas it leaking or overheating....how did you know it was cracked?:confused:

Michael, I had just changed my engine oil before leaving on a camping trip. While changing the oil I noticed the housing just in front of the transfer case was a little damp with fluid. Once we returned from the trip a few days later I went to use the truck and I noticed a small puddle of fluid on the floor. Before this not one drop on the floor ever. The complete underside of the truck was covered in oil but lucky for me it was still in the safe zone on the dip stick. Now that I have driven the truck after I got it repaired it seems to shift a little better.
Could be just me . Good luck Steve

that sucks,but it never overheated or missed a beat,good thing you noticed it when you did...how was the camping trip?I love camping,gets you away from the city,and lets ya relax.....my kinda' weekend!:D

at what kind of milage should i look to replace the U joints? thnks

I have already had 2 trucks come in that were in the 50,000 mile range. It is just something to keep an eye on and check their condition and tightness. -Mat-

-That happened to a buddy of mine('01 w/6gun around 80,000mi) except he went to pass a couple cars on a state road, kicked er down got up to about 80 @ 3/4 throttle & heard a bang, Pulled over & had a huge puddle of trans fluid on the ground! Decided it was flatbed time & $2K later it ran great again. The idiot still has not gotten a transfercase brace! It was Junk U joints that caused the vibration.

yea put the brace on for sure! i broke my brand new ats trans with about 1000 miles on it. it wasnt too bad for me because i had an extra trans that i robbed parts form, then replaced the tail housing. i would have rather had the brace in the first place!