Broken TH350 @ Trasfercase

[k5cherokee]

Last weekend wheeling in the mud i cracked my transmission all the way around where the transfer case bolts 2 it. Its a TH 350 auto mated to a 203 k5 frame. The cross members been dropped a inch to prevent broken u joints on the shafts. 1 ton axles geared 411. ive never broke a tranny like this before and would like some input on reinforcing the tranny or transfer case to prevent this from happening again. Thanx, Jason.

 

[rockcity]

I've seen this several times. Usually due to a lack of proper transfercase support from what I've seen. I'm no expert but thats what I've seen and thought. Support the transfercase a little better? Did you slam the transmisison down on something?

 

[k5cherokee]

I got her bound up in reverse trying to come out of a huge mudhole. I was hoping someone could give me some pointers on stabilizing the transfer better than just 2 bolts at the crossmember.

 

[drkelly]

This is a very common failure. Some trucks have a metal bar that bolts to the side of the TC and goes up to one of the bell housing bolts. That would be a good start, but I would also build a second crossmember and use another transmission mount off a custom bracket bolted to the bottom of the TC.

 

[lugnut]

nothing helpful to add but I have had the same problem. I sold the truck before I gave a good fix much thought. The later lighter aluminum T cases dont seam to be as hard on the trans

 

[transman731]

i have seen this alot.
the bar to the bellhousing is the culprit.
what i have done before is to make a bracket that goes from the side of the t-case to the frame.

 

[Your Hot Dog Guy!]

Chevrolet found out this problem years ago and put the bar that drkelly is referring to. Most people ignor this brace and break the tail. Also I used the same bushings for the motor mount as the tcase, makes since if ya think about it.

 

[k5cherokee]

Thanks guys!

 

[Ricky B]

I would suggest more than just the bar, I've seen more than one break in the same place even with the bar on tight. The bracket replacing it to the side of the frame is a good idea, but even with that I still broke the one in my Jeep, when it goes back in . . . one day . . . it'll also get a rear support bracket off the cradle, those alum trannys just can't handle the iron cases.