Crazy whine from the transfer case
 

My 2000 D2 was finally driving well (after dozens of hours spent rebuilding the engine, suspension, etc.), and just as I thought I can finally take a break, the transfer case sprung a leak and started letting out an insane whining noise at about 35-40mph. Has anyone had this kind of an issue? I can't locate the leak - it seems to be coming from the top of the case (I really don't want to rip out the center console just to have a look).

I do have the center diff lock levers from D1 installed - could that be the problem?
I've changed the gear oil a while back and it is currently royal purple 75W90R GL5.

Anyone had an issue like this (leak, whine, or both)?

Really appreciate any input.

Thanks!

If it suddenly started leaking really bad check your breather tubes. They frequently get melted shut on the manifold, passenger side by the fire wall. When this happens your tranny and/or transfer can leak like crazy. Mine did. Fixed the breathers and it stopped.

yep happened to me and the t case blew the oil out all over the bottom of the truck and then it self destructed

That sounds great!! Good that I stopped driving it. I'll check out the breather tube melting situation. I did clean/unclogged it couple of years back when installing the D1 shifter...

make sure you have gear oil in there too !

Checked the breather tubes - all in good shape there. I guess I'm pulling the center console out...

I’m having the same issue in my transfer case now. All of the sudden it has a whining noise when I get to about 30mph. I’m leaning toward a bearing going bad. Fluid level is good, diff-lock operates normally, high/low works fine.