BW1354 Transfer Case Drive Chain (Motive Gear MG10-022)

This is the internal drive chain for the Borg Warner 1354 transfer case, the Hy-Vo style roller chain that links the front and rear output shafts inside the case. It is a 31-link, 1.25 inch wide chain, the correct width for the BW1354 and BW1350 cases used behind many 1980s-1990s Ford Bronco and F-series trucks, International Scouts, and early Jeep CJ/Wagoneer applications, and it is also the correct chain for the Jeep NP231 and NP233 cases carried over into later Wrangler, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee models.

The symptom that sends people looking for this part is a transfer case that feels like it is slipping or hesitating for a half second before power reaches the front axle, a rattle or whine from the case under load that quiets down when you let off the throttle, or metal flake showing up in the transfer case fluid at a service interval. All of those point to a stretched or worn chain riding loose on the sprockets rather than a sprocket, bearing, or seal failure, which is why this is the first part to check before tearing further into the case.

Replacing the chain means splitting the transfer case housing, pulling the front and rear output shaft assemblies together as a unit, and sliding the old chain off the sprockets before fitting this one in its place. It is a case-split job, not a job the chain alone makes any shorter, so plan on budgeting for new case half gaskets or sealant and inspecting the sprockets and bearings while the case is open, since a chain that stretched enough to need replacement usually means the sprockets have some wear too.