Transfer case question

[Adam Chittick]

I've been browsing this site a little here and there for about a year now since I bought my Sport Trac. Anyway, I was installing a fuel tank skid plate today, and happened to look over at the transfer case and notice that the wiring and transfer motor were all exposed, as well as 4 poles with threaded holes on the backside. Is there a cover I'm missing for the back side of this, or is it normal? I have the 2001 Job 2 by the way. I'm hoping to do a little off roading eventually, so I'd like to figure this out. I can get pictures if anybody is unclear what I'm trying to describe. Thanks in advance!

 

[paul wise]

It is normal for the wiring to be exposed, as long as it is all still bundled.

The 4 bolt holes cast into the aluminum are for a counterweight used as a vibration damper. I think on the Sport Trac, the damper is mounted on the front of the transfer case. On my old Ranger, the damper was mounted on the back where the 4 holes are. The damper covered the wires and half of the shift motor.

 

[Adam Chittick]

Thanks! I was considering fabricating a skid plate of some sort to protect the wires and motor, but wanted to see if I was missing a part that I could buy first.

 

[Johnny O]

I've slogged through all sorts of mud and general 'froading, more so in my old Ranger, and never had a problem with the wiring. If anything, another skidplate might cause mud to linger up in there instead of getting washed out.