This is my second Explorer. The first was a 96' Sport. The only problem I ever had with it was the clutch going out(Manual Transmission) after about 120,000 miles. Any way, my transfer case started making noise at about 136,000 miles after taking it on a mellow 4wheel drive trail. I thought it was the transmission and was afraid to take it to the shop and get ripped off. I put it off for a few months just waiting for my tranny to blowup or something, but it never did. I found a good mechanic and he checked it out and told me it was the T-case. He rebuilt it for $800 and flushed my tranny. I'm pickin it up today. I really shouldn't complain I guess. 143,000 miles and this is my only problem?

On my way moving to Texas when I heard somewhat of a spinning noise from underneath my Explorer that would not stop. Long story short... after 8 hours and 3 mechanics it was determined that it was the transfer case. And since it was the transfer case... the transmission was probably damaged as well. Too much for me to repair so hopefully will part the car out. I now drive a Toyota Tercel (stinks being in Texas without a truck, but I am truly thankful to have a car) that will hopefully last me quite a while.