With the transmission in park and emergency brake off, get either the rear wheels off the ground so the front drive shaft cannot turn, then try to turn the rear one by hand. If it moves, you've got a stretched transfer case chain.


If it doesn't move, elevate only one wheel at a time and try to turn the wheel to determine if you have a worn axle CV. There are no U-Joints on the front driveshaft, so I would start with the front wheels, one at a time.


I never replaced a transfer case chain in over 300,000 miles, but did go through a set of front axle shafts at 60,000 miles when the previous owner had ignored torn CV boots.

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2016 F15 x35i
2014 F32 428i


2004 E46 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2002 E53 3.0 sold at 388,801 miles
2001 E46 325i sold at 66,000 miles


1970 Firebird Under restoration