Early 80" transfer case

[Aaron IIA]

I was changing all the gear oils on my '49 on the weekend. All went well until it came time to fill the transfer case. I found the filler plug on the lower flat section, but could not locate the level plug. I assumed that there would be a plug in the same location as later series one (and later) vehicles, but it wasn't there. Did early transfer boxes have a different method of determining the oil level? When refilling from empty, I could fill by volume, but how do I check the level after the usual amount inevitably leaks out?

Aaron.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Aaron

It should be a little 1/4" BSP plug on the side of the case near the brake master cylinder. The square on the plug is usually stripped so it looks like a little metal cone or spike out the side of the case. There was a retrofit where they advised the drilling and re-tapping for a larger plug, which wasn't so prone to stripping.

Diana

[dennisS1]

Hi Aaron & Diana
It is not an easy thing to get at.
There is also a Land Rover update to move it around to the later location which is lower thus the quantity of oil was reduced, to try and stop oil transfer to the gearbox. So you will find boxes with both plugs.
Dennis

[Aaron IIA]

I had heard about the retrofit where the oil level was lowered, but I did not know where to find the original oil level plug. Thanks for the help. I will look for it when I am next up north with my vehicle (hopefully this weekend).

My transfer case does not have the lower retrofit plug, so I can assume that it is pretty original. I will not tap in the lower plug. Instead, I will fill the transfer box slightly lower than the original level plug. A bent piece of wire will probably help in determining the level.

Aaron.

[Aaron IIA]

I just found this picture. "N" is the plug under question.

Aaron.