A four-wheel-drive vehicle is equipped with a transfer case. This case connects to the back of the transmission, and it takes the output from the transmission and sends it to both the front and rear axles on the vehicles. If the transfer case breaks, then at the minimum the front axle won't work and you won't be able to engage four-wheel drive. To fix the issue, you need to remove the transfer case from the vehicle to diagnose the problem.
Apply the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle using the jack and put jack stands under the vehicle. Put a drain pan underneath the transfer case. Open up the drain plug on the transfer case with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then let the transfer case oil empty into the pan.
Unbolt the rear drive shaft from the axle with an open-end wrench, then pull the end out of the axle. Slide the rear drive shaft out of the transfer case. Unbolt the front drive shaft from the front axle using an open-end wrench. Pull the front drive shaft out of the axle, then slide it out of the transfer case.
Unplug any electrical connections that may be present using your hands and then remove the vent hoses using a pair of pliers. Disconnect the shift linkage from the case with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Lift the transmission jack up underneath the transfer case and wrap the chains from the jack around the transfer case.
Unbolt the transfer case from the transmission using an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Slide the transfer case away from the transmission with the jack. Lower the transmission jack and slide the transfer case out from underneath the vehicle.
