Transfer case: rebuild-or buy one?
 

Just changed the u-joints in an 00 z71 AGAIN...they seem to take alot of abuse when the rear end and transfer case need rebuilt/replaced, which brings me to my question. I've researched it and just wondering if anyone has ever rebuilt a 246? They're not like the old 203's or 205's where you can just take off the bearing housings, you have to split the whole case and open that can of worms. Anywhere you go to buy a rebuilt one is around $1000. I've rebuilt the old 203's and 205's but this seems to be a different creature being electronic-clutches/steels and what-not. Gonna try and do the case and rear-end together and kill 2 birds...hopefully! Any help-suggestions?

It may take some looking, but I'd think you could find a used one with probably little use for much cheaper. But, do they wear even when not in use as the front wheels are turning??? What area are you in jrk?

I'm by Columbus, Ohio. I had some time to make a handful of calls and I only have had one response. They quoted me $300 from a junkyard and couldn't give me the mileage on it. I just don't want to end up dealing with junk and be out $300! I'd rather spend $900 on a rebuilt vs. throwing $$ out the window on something they can't verify if it's been damaged/worn out. Granted it's only a work truck but it needs fixed and I'm not rich! lol. I use 4wd alot working in a quarry, this truck gets abused but it's a good truck.

How much would it take to buy either a brand new or refurbished one?

I'm sure brand spankin' new from GM would be outrageous, but I briefly looked at autozone-with core was like $927-$999 depending on output spline #. Not bad really I guess with warrranty. Rather than spending a couple hundred at a junkyard and having it last 6 months and then you gotta rebuilt it too. more $$+warranty/junkyard=as is...