[jordieb213]

2004 Discovery

I engaged the 'ol CDL on the Disco this weekend going over a small mound and she didn't like it one bit.

Once engaged, I slowly began climbing up and it made a horrible 'clunking' type sound. I once had a jeep with a loose transfer case chain that made the same exact noise. The three amigos came on for a small amount of time and then went off on their own.

Do you think this is an issue with the transfer case?

 

[Joe Btfsplk]

jordieb213:
Questions:
1. was the 'mound' in question softer dirt, or hard packed stone like a concrete surface? If hard, were you turning while you had the CDL engaged?
2. Pardon what may sound like a dumb question, but are you sure you had the CDL fully engaged?
These transfer cases don't like being locked up on a hard surface. Finally, have you checked the oil level recently? Low oil levels can cause clunking sounds, shortly before the transfer case fails. Obviously, not fully engaging may cause it to skip as well.

 

[lowest bidder]

Not trying to be a smart***, but was the lock icon lit before you began climbing the mount?

The fact that the CDL lever is moved to the Lock position doesn't mean that it's actually locked. The lever only compresses a spring inside the housing that pushes on the lock ring, and only when the two halves of the differential are aligned will the lock ring engage the two halves thus locking the t-case. If you are applying lots of torque when locking of the two halves occurs, it can produce a pretty loud clunk that is very hard on the mechanical parts of the T-case. Maybe that's what you experienced.

 

[jordieb213]

Thanks for the replies.

The mound was sand so there was loss of traction and the TC was going berserk so I decided to back off and put on the CDL.

I waited a few moments and the 'lock icon' illuminated. I've not had any problems with it before which is what made me curious.

I'll double check the fluids and try again in some mud after I check everything out.

I appreciate the comments!

 

[OneRyan]

Twice I’ve gotten a loud bang with mine. I'm pretty sure it was the front diff that made the ruckus..
Both times I was at a precarious angle when in engaged it so in assume it was just partially engaged and a bit confused.
No scary vibrations or anything while driving then just check the fluids and drive on