checking 231 transfercase chain

Is it possible to check the chain slack on the 231 transfercase with the transfercase still installed in the jeep?

climhigher said:

Is it possible to check the chain slack on the 231 transfercase with the transfercase still installed in the jeep?

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Yes, if you remove the tailhousing. Since people have installed SYEs with it still in the Jeep I assume it's possible to get to the access hole for the snap ring. It'll at least be good enough to see how the chain is, but keep in mind that without the tailhousing, nothing is holding the main shaft in place and it will be pulled to the driver's side, making the chain appear to have more slack than it does.

By the time it's all said and done, and you've dropped driveshafts, it's pretty trivial to pull the shift linkage, crossmember and the six bolts that hold the case to the trans. Then you can get it apart and replace seals and bearings while you're at it.

You can do it thru the fill and drain plugs.Its only a preliminary check but can be useful!

When you do check it, what are you looking for? Are there any tell tale signs of wear/stretch?