2003 Tahoe drive without front driveshaft

[Jblaze10]

Hello, I am working in California. I live in Arizona. I am returning to az in 3 days and yesterday I was told by Firestone tech that my transfer case is going bad. ( Has clicking noise while driving). I want to remove front driveshaft. Will this help to reduce the chance of tc going out? Any suggestions would be super appreciated. Truck is 2003 Lt 4x4 with auto button. Also wanted to know size of socket to remove shaft as I have to buy it, all my tools are in Az. Trip is approx 500 miles. Thank you, Happy holidays!

 

[hangontight]

I've driven many 4WD trucks with the front driveshaft removed (for various reasons). I'm not going to say its going to help with a bad transfer case, but it certainly won't do any damage driving with it removed. I'm no help on the socket size.

 

[Jblaze10]

I've driven many 4WD trucks with the front driveshaft removed (for various reasons). I'm not going to say its going to help with a bad transfer case, but it certainly won't do any damage driving with it removed. I'm no help on the socket size.

Thanks for the reply!
After being under there I am not sure how removing it would do anything since the tc and tranny are attached. Hmm.

 

[dantheman]

yea the transfer case still is involved when driving the front or rear tires. i doubt it would make any difference removing it.

 

[rockola1971]

Clicking noise is the rear output shaft bearing going bad most likely. Pretty common for the NP246E case. The cause is usually either just wear and tear or fluid low which is typically caused by transfer case pump rub which wears a small hole on passenger side of rear half case up on the side. Leaks fluid slowly and slowly kills your bearings.
Rear output bearing is usually the one to die first. The fix is a rebuild, repair or replace the rear case and add the case saver plate for around $20. Bearing and seal kit, clutch kit and new chain and should be good to go. These transfer cases are not rocket science to rebuild. Many youtube how to's out there. Not nearly as difficult as a auto tranny.