My 2003 GX470 transfer case has failure

[Jack K]

Has anyone heard of a transfer case suddenly failng for no reason with a loud grinding sound while driving ~25 MPH in 4-wheel drive on a smooth, straight and level road? When this happened, I immediately pulled the transfer case lever into neutral (which stopped the grinding sound) and coasted to a stop. With both the transmission and transfer case levers now in neutral, I tried to push the transfer case lever into low. No deal, the grinding would not let me move the lever forward at all.

I am thankful that the car seems fine to drive in high range, but I am resigned to the reality that low range 4-wheel drive operation is a thing of the past with this transfer case. And I am saddened that my transfer case shot craps so suddenly at ~165,000 miles of driving. Most of you who will read this understand my disappointment. That mileage is a bit short for this car to literally blow up on the road, especially when you've dedicated yourself to immaculate servicing of the vehicle. (By the way, the transfer case was full of oil.)

So, I am wondering if any of you GX470 owners have had a similar experience, or heard of anyone else who has. I have, and I'm curious about its frequency.

Do any of you have a line on a dependable and reputable used parts house, Aka a good junk yard. It may be better than shelling out many $K's on new rebuilt. I live in N Nevada, but distance is no object in this quest. I am committed to repairing this car.