My angle gear (aka bevel gear or transfer case) is getting pretty noisy, especially when cold(146k miles). I'm pretty sure it is one of the bearings inside the unit. Rather than spend the $2k+ to have the angle gear replaced (good used or refurbished ones are very hard to find), I would like to remove the angle gear and rear drive shaft (convert the car to FWD only). To avoid excessive torque-steer, I was told I should replace the angle gear witha RH axle shaft (FWD part). Do I also need a tail shaft housing (mounts to RH output side of trans???)? The Volvo parts guy at the dealer could not find a tail shaft housing listed for 98 or 99 FWD 70 series. Since I have a 99 XC AWD trans (different part number than FWD trans), what parts do I need to make the conversion to FWD only? Will the parts fit my AWD trans without modification? How difficult is the job?

 

Sounds familiar too me. Ok well I own the 2000 xc awdand well my transfer case wasnt just noisey it was completely shot. So I put her on the lift took out the right front halfshaft then unbolted the transfer case, pulled that off and then slid the halfshaft back in and then unbolted the driveshaft at the tortion bar in the back. I didnt need any extra parts.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm not familiar with the driveline layout of the 2000 xc awd. I was hoping it was very similar to the 99. Does anyone know if that is true? I know the transfer case (angle gear) part number is the same for 98 & 99, but different for 2000. Also, the awd trans and fwd trans have different p/n's. For 98 & 99 there is a coupling sleeve between the trans and transfer case (angle gear) -- this coupling sleeve is an awd part only. Well anyways, based on what you're saying, it sounds like the right front halfshaft goes completely through the transfer case and slides into the trans. So, the right front halfshaft is a single shaft assembly (with 2 cv joints) that runs from the right front wheel all the way to the trans? Is that true? Is the halfshaft very difficult to remove and reinstall? Are there any tricks?

 

Sry, I should have more specific. It's just cause it turned out to be simple job. you are correct with the right driveshaft it goes straight through the angle gear without doing anything. There are only a pair of seals on the driveshaft to seal the angle gear but those are just bearing seals. You can just slid out the halfshaft remove the angle gear unit and then slid the halfshaft right back into the tranny. The only hard part is getting the angle gear out. There are so many pipes, fittings, etc. in there its hard to find the right way to get the unit out. O yea I hope your flexable and have a lift or a tall set of jack stands cause the top bolts on the angle gear are a pain to get at.

Hope this helps, post anymore questions and progress on the project.
Goodluck.