Water in gearbox and transfer case.

So I decided to start cleaning up my transfer case and gearbox this evening to get it ready to install. Went to drain the fluids and all that came out was water and a bit of dark grey sludge. The jeep was stored outside for the past few years but I have no idea how the entire transfer case and gearbox could have gotten full of water. Any ideas? Luckily I have a spare of both that seemed to be in better shape. At least no water in them

Mike

 

I decided to use the spare transfer case and gearbox that came with the CJ5. Not sure if this was a good idea but I needed to clean the sludge and old gear oil out of the transfer case and gearbox. I filled them both with gasoline and let it sit a little while and then drained them. Got most of the old gear oil out and had a look with a flashlight. Both look pretty clean inside. Any objections to what I did. The case and gears look pretty clean considering the crap that was in there.

Mike

 

I would be worried about any bearings that I couldnt see that have been in the water, I dont know but they could be rusty or pitted and not last long. Just me but I would take it apart to check them and the shafts inside before I ran it.

 

X2 If you don't check them and you have a problem, you'll be tearing it all back apart, again. Ask me how I know.