If it was I, I would still drop it and reseal everything. What may look easy is usually not so easy.

But be sure to put the front and rear on ramps. I bought two pairs of these and with 32" tires there is amazing clearance and plenty of room to move around.

 

I've got 30"s right now, but that should only be an inch difference clearance, or 3" if you already had your lift when you did the swap. I've already got one set. I probably need another set anyway.

I've actually had a little bit of drive train whine around 3k, so I suppose it would be a better idea to go ahead and swap the whole thing just to rule that out.

 

Another thing to consider, if you want your diff lock indicator to work, test the switches on your donor transfer case while you have it out. I had to replace all the switches on mine, none worked properly (due to lack of use I'd guess, probably spent it's whole life unlocked in high range). There are 4 switches in total on the '04 case. Two related to the diff lock, two for high/neutral/low.


The '04 transfer case harness should plug right into the body harness (connectors under the center console) on your '03. My CDL indicator worked perfectly after swapping in the case and harness (with new switches).

 

Is there any other real reason it would matter other than the light being on? I mean, yes, I would like the light to work, but im not super duper concerned about it if it decides it doesn't want to.

 

I thought I read in a post here somewhere that the SLABS ecu gets the diff lock signal as well as the indicator, don't know for a fact if that is true or not. Would make some sense that the ABS and traction control might operate differently with the diff locked.


I know if the low range switch doesn't work, hill descent control won't work and the transmission mode button won't allow manual mode, if either of those matter to you.

 

Besides what Kenso said the main issue is not being aware that the transfer case did not unlock all the way when you get back on the highway. It doesn't take much effort to make sure the switches work correctly, plus it feels really nice to do a swap and make it almost seamless and factory. My own level of work has gotten a lot better over the years, and I look back and shudder at some of the crap wiring jobs I did.

 

If I remember correctly, I read somewhere that the 03 and 04 ECU cannot disable traction control when the transfer case is locked, unlike earlier versions. So it will not adversely affect the operation if you don't have the CDL switch. But it's not recommended to drive on solid ground (like asphalt) for long periods of time with CDL on, so it's a good reminder to have the light and chime. And it's not super expensive to buy a new switch anyway. Just buy a quality one, not a chinese knock off off Ebay.

 

Ok, all of that makes a lot of sense. I'll test it and make sure, and wait for a new switch to come in if need be. Not than any of the things listed work when your 3 amigos are on anyway, but thats probably something I should fix (again) too.

 

BTW, I have a scanner that does Rover ABS codes.

 

Yea, I'm probably going to have to get one or find one now too. Which one do you have? I guess I'm looking for the cheapest alternative possible.