I would drain your T-case. You could have SIGNIFICANT wear if you've been locked for X amount of miles. Especially if tire inflation, or even worse, tire size differs at all front to back/side to side.

FWIW 2002s didn't come with CDLs, so someone apparently took the time to add it, but did not put an engagement method. May be best to grab a d1 CDL lever or 04 lever at this point and install it.

 

I wonder if the PO had his original T-case fail and replaced it with a '99 or '2000 from a salvage yard. That T-case may have had the CDL engaged without the installer knowing it.

Is there an dash idiot light for an engaged CDL on the non-CDL trucks? My '99 has the light, but I have the CDL from the factory. I'm assuming Rover got rid of the idiot light when they got rid of the CDL hardware.

The guy could have had the CDL engaged for a significant amount of miles. Really lucky the drive line hasn't bound, but then again that might be why the front shaft is failing in the first place.

 

My 02 has the light, and did not come with a lockable t-case.

 

I replaced ALL fluids with premium synthetic less than 50 miles ago.
Was the first thing I did. Hopefully that baby will hold...
No noise or whine driving today after replacing all front driveshaft u-joints.
What a job THAT was... Level 5 PIA