The transfer case assembly consists of a 4-piece aluminum housing, an input helical gear assembly, carrier (1), an idler helical gear (2), and a hypoid bevel gear set which consists of 2 shaft assemblies supported by tapered roller bearings (4). The design of this component changes power output from transverse to longitudinal and also positions the propeller shaft assembly near the centerline of the vehicle. The propeller shaft assembly, mated to the output flange of the transfer case, is constantly rotating and spins at a rate equal to an average of the 2 front wheels.

The transfer case is mated to the right side of the 4T65-E automatic transmission. 2 types of lubricant are used within the transfer case: automatic transmission fluid for the 3 helical gear set and a synthetic hypoid gear oil for the bevel gears. 2 oil seals, internal to the case  (3) separate the 2 types of fluid.

The automatic transmission fluid level in the transfer case is maintained at the transmission. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check . The synthetic gear oil level is maintained at the extension housing. Refer to Transfer Case Fluid Replacement .