By Pablora Parts LLC parts specialists · Updated September 8, 2026 · Part of Transfer cases
A transfer case is a sealed gear unit that splits power to the front axle, and it is one of the best parts to buy used or remanufactured: the dealer price is steep and a low-mileage donor unit is mechanically the same as new. The only hard part is identification, because a single truck model used two or three different cases depending on year, engine and how the driver selects four-wheel drive.
Find the tag
Crawl under the truck behind the transmission. The transfer case has a metal tag or a stamped pad, usually on the rear half of the housing. BorgWarner cases show a four-digit model number in the 44xx range, like 4406, 4407, 4417 or 4419, plus a build code. New Process and New Venture cases show NP or NVG and a number: NP241, NP246, NP261, NP263, NVG 149. Photograph the whole tag; the build code separates variants within one model.
Shift type decides the part
The same model number comes in versions for a floor-mounted manual lever and for electronic shift buttons on the dash, and they are not interchangeable. Ford calls the electronic version ESOF, Electronic Shift-On-the-Fly. GM's NP246 is the Autotrac automatic case with a dash switch, while NP261 and NP263 are the manual and electric versions of the heavy-duty case. Tell us which control your truck has before anything else.
What the VIN and RPO codes add
The VIN gives the engine and drivetrain series; GM's glovebox RPO label goes further, with NP1 for the two-speed manual case and NP8 for Autotrac. Ford's door-jamb label carries the build date, which matters because Super Duty trucks changed cases mid-generation. Between the tag, the VIN and the shift type there is no ambiguity left.
Used, remanufactured or rebuilt
A used case with verified mileage is the cheapest route and usually the right one for a truck that is not worked hard. A remanufactured case has new bearings, chain and seals and a longer warranty, at a higher price. A rebuild kit for your own case is the option for a truck with a specific failure, like a stretched chain or a leaking pump housing, if a shop is doing the work anyway. We quote the used and reman options together so you can compare.
Send a photo of the tag, the VIN and whether you have a lever or buttons. We confirm the model and quote used and remanufactured side by side.
Questions we get about this
Often not. GM NP246 and NP261 cases are known for the pump housing wearing through the rear case half, which is repairable with a new half or a case-saver kit. A specialist can talk you through whether repair or replacement makes sense.
No. The electronic version has a shift motor and encoder that the manual version lacks, and the truck's module expects them. Match the shift type exactly.
By freight on a pallet, to a business address or curbside. The freight cost is included in the quote so there is no surprise on delivery.