I picked up a used transfer case from the junkyard and it came w some writing on it that clearly says 2003. After all the reading I've been doing in the search function I'm still not sure if I can use this unit or should I return it. I'll keep searching and reading in the meantime. Thanks.

 

Are you asking if you can use a transfer case from an 03 in an 04? If so, yes you can.

 

Yes. Junkyard transfer case is from a 2003, my truck is a 2004.

 

It will certainly fit, and work, but the 2003 transfer case will not have the lockable front output section.

 

Why are you replacing the transfer case in your '04? Depending on what is wrong with it you could swap the front output section from your '04 and install it on the '03 transfer case and preserve the center locking differential feature.

 

Sorry, but I don't know what that means at all. What is a lockable front output section...?

In the past I had a used but lower mileage 2004 Discovery II and I sold it. I've missed it since, especially the part of fixing everything.. sounds crazy but I'm serious. Oddly enough a buddy of mine had the same exact one as I had sold, so I told him whenever he's ready to sell it let me know (that was 5 years ago). Well, he was finally ready to sell, called me and I picked it up last week.

His story is... The orginal transfer case leaked its fluids and was replaced w a used junkyard one some $1400 later. Shortly after the used junkyard one also leaked its fluids & that's when he called me to buy.

I should of done my HW first instead of running out and picking up another junkyard transfer case but it's too late for that. After speaking w my buddy / the previous owner, he tells me that 2004 is the only year compatible for the Discovery II Transfer Cases. So here I am. I never had any problems w the transfer case last time around.

 

The 2004 has a special part of the transfer case that allows the case to be locked in a 50/50 front/rear output ratio. Without that lock, power will be delivered to whichever axle has the least resistance.
That lock piece is in the front section of the transfer case, hence "lockable front output section."

If you are unaware of the existence and use of the transfer case lock, then the 2003 case will work just fine. Be aware that the lock is one of the sought-after abilities of the 2004 model so its absence may affect the resale value of the vehicle.

 

I have a 2003 Disco, and I really so wish it was an '04 in order to have the center diff lock.... And here is somebody who had it all along and had no idea what it is )))))
Now, I didn't know that my existing T-case can be modified by adding the locking part... Can it? Are they sold separately? That would be awesome

 

Thanks for the advice fellas. I'm going to give it to my transmission guy . The unit in the truck now is a 2004 and the junkyard replacement is a 2003 so btwn the two hopefully he can get the truck going and still keep the lockable front output section. The other option is the junkyard says to bring back the case for a credit and then I'll just get the proper transfer case (2004).
After watching a video on YouTube and reading throughout the search, I've decided I'm going to pass on doing it myself.

 

I don't think they would be sold separately, but it's not a huge issue to take the part from a donor case once you have the case removed from your own truck. Along with the 2004 year, the lockable output "nose" should also be installed on 1999, 2000, and maybe 2001 trucks. There are dozens of threads about how to identify the actuating nipple so you can be sure you're getting the correct piece.
And then after it's installed, you still need to set up some way to activate it (e.g. D1 shift lever, 2004 shift lever, home-rig servo or rotating mechanism, etc.)