Kevin makes a great point, and I would never encourage someone NOT to learn how to evaluate parts. However, it requires experience (usually under the eye of someone who already knows). Having troubleshot and repaired countless electrical motors, most of which ended up with bad bearings caused by heat issues, I can identify bad bearings. I don't know what bearings commonly go bad in transfer cases, though, and with a lack of guidance, I'd probably replace more than I should. The opportunity cost of having to r&r the t-case is greater than the monetary cost of a few bearings (for me, anyway).

Anyway, whatever you decide, keep us posted! I haven't had the guts, or need for that matter, to tear down a t-case to parade rest and put it back together. I did a SYE on the 231 and that's about as far as I've gone. Oh yeah, and post lots of pics! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />