How do you tell if your transfer case is going out, I think it may be low on fluid, but in 4HI it will make a loud grinding noise like shaking a bunch of rocks in a metal box, but it doesnt do it all the time, and in 4 low it vibrates (may be the angle on my front D/S, but it doesnt vibrate in 4HI), but doesnt make any noise.

I am going to check the fluid today, it looks like its been leaking out of my rear seal, but I just need to go buy a huge socket for the inspection plug.

There is no vibration/noise in 2HI, so would it be safe to drive like this, I am still trying to break my diffs in and the sidewalls on the boggers!!

 

A growling grinding T-case is in need for some attention, keep using it and it will be completely un-salvageable.

Growling may just be a bearing issue if you ran it low/out of oil. Grinding indicates breakage, and means you may have parts/chips/flakes floating around in the T-case.

 

but it only does it intermittently in 4hi, never in 4low, or 2hi