Thoughts on service inspection findings

Hi everyone. I took my 99TJ in for an inspection of the transmission and the transfer case. Shifting into 2nd and 3rd isn’t smooth and 4HI is loud at speed.

They found the transfer case to be leaking between the two halves (topped off fluid) and the transmission to be making internal noise that they suspect is bearings.

It has the stock ax15 and transfer case. 4 inch lift. 33s

They quoted $5k+ to fix both, which I think means find used replacements that are in better shape than mine and swap them.

They also said I could drive it for a while longer and see how it goes. They both work and may be fine for a while, they said.

I’m new to jeeps so just wondering about experiences with issues like these.

Would your recommendations be any different?

Jerry Bransford said:

Try changing your transmission fluid before doing anything. Redline MT-90 would be a good choice and know that your AX-15 transmission will not be happy with just any MTL (manual transmission lube). Just keep the transfer case topped off, any type of good quality ATF is fine.

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Will do. Thx. Already have the MT-90 in hand. Just waiting for the temps to not be so bitterly cold. I hate wrenching in sub-freezing temps.

Thanks all. I'll watch some videos and see if I think I can do the work myself. It would certainly be my first time.