Hello, I have a 2002 w/3.0 146k, i had a high squeal noise only when accelerating. you could really only hear it when going slow with windows open or in a tunnel or near a fence. the dealer said it was the transfer case, but ii have no physical symptoms or performance issues(other than it's not a 4.4) with no warranty, i was planning to run till it breaks, it does not seem like there are enough parts in there to hurt itself.
i have no chunking, like a stretched chain.
i'm not likely to spend the $ for a $2500 transfer case plus 7 hours labor if i can stretch it. I changed the ugly fluid with redline dex 4 synthetic. Has anyone done the diy cobra rebuild? it looks easier than removing the wheel carrier to change frozen rear ball joints