I have a 2006 H3, which I love, it currently has 375,000 miles on it, most everything has been replaced at least once, except the engine, it has a manual transmission, and runs great.

Last week, it started making a roaring sound, and then stopped pulling go down the road, the roaring stopped too, I coasted off the road, shifted it to four lock, and it took right off, no noises at all.

I assume something has worn out in the transfer case, so the question is, should I have the Transfer case rebuilt, or buy a new or a low mileage used one, and replace it. Or do you think it is something besides the transfer case?

I drove it thirty miles home, in four lock, and it drove fine, with no noises or anything at all,

Thanks!!

 

Sounds more like a front diff R&P, front diff, intermediate shaft, front prop shaft or CV issue to me.
With the H3 being full time 4wd the Tcase in 4HI unlock sends 40% to the front and 60% to the rear.
With a broken front diff R&P, front diff, intermediate shaft, front prop shaft or CV the Tcase will send 100% f the power to the front (which is broken) and you will get absolutely no movement.

Chock the rear tires in both directions, jack up the front end (use jack stands on the frame), put it in 4HI unlock (do not start it!), spin each tire and listen for noises.

 

Yeah, what Taint said X2.

 

Thank you very much!! I will do that!

 

Following your advice, found the Differential is fried, so the question now is, rebuild it....there are a lot of metal fragments in the case....purchase a used one, or a rebuilt one?

Which would you guys suggest?

Thank you very much for the help

 

What is fried?
R&P?
Intermediate Shaft?

2006 H3, it's probably cheaper to find a used 06-10 aluminum 4.56 gear replacement than a rebuild of the old diff.

 

Agreed. Check you local pick n pulls, ebay, Craig's List, Car-Part.com etc for a good used one. Not a difficult swap out either.

 

Found a used Diff, all I have to do is install it, a friend at junkyard got me one 140,000 miles, for 275 tax included. Hopefully will be back and running soon. Thank you all very much for your advice....it was invaluable!

 

The Ring and Pinion are done.

 

Nice deal there!
Pop the cover and look at the R&P for damage or wear and the condition of the fluid too.