drivetrain

Transfer Case Chain

for 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8 · RWD

Difficulty

Expert

Time

7.8 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure addresses replacement of the transfer case chain on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 327ci V8. Note: The C2 Corvette is rear-wheel drive only and does not have a transfer case; this procedure cannot be performed on this vehicle.

Warnings

⚠️CRITICAL: The 1966 Chevrolet Corvette is a rear-wheel drive vehicle without a transfer case. This vehicle does not have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive capability. If you are experiencing drivetrain issues, diagnose for manual transmission, driveshaft, or rear differential problems instead.

⚠If this procedure was requested due to drivetrain noise or vibration, consider inspecting the 4-speed manual transmission (M20 or M21), driveshaft universal joints, or rear differential instead.

ℹ️Transfer cases are found only on four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. The C2 Corvette (1963-1967) uses a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout with either a 3-speed or 4-speed manual transmission, or 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

3/8" and 1/2" drive socket set (SAE)Essential

Combination wrench set (SAE)Essential

Drain pan (minimum 3 gallon capacity)Essential

Torque wrench (ft-lb range)Essential

Pry bar

Rubber mallet

Parts cleaning solvent

Gasket scraper

Parts

Transfer case chain (not applicable to this vehicle) — N/A - Vehicle does not have transfer case

Preparation

Verify vehicle identification: confirm this is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette (C2 generation) by checking the VIN plate on the driver's door pillar
Inspect underneath the vehicle to confirm drivetrain configuration: you should see engine, transmission (manual or automatic), driveshaft, and rear differential only
If noise or vibration is present, diagnose the actual source: manual transmission internal bearings, driveshaft universal joints (2 joints on single-piece driveshaft), or rear differential ring and pinion
Consult original factory service manual or experienced Corvette mechanic to identify the correct repair procedure for your actual drivetrain issue

Procedure

1
Verify Vehicle Configuration
Place the vehicle on a lift or raise it safely on jack stands. Visually trace the drivetrain from the transmission bellhousing rearward. On a 1966 Corvette, you will see: transmission tailhousing, single-piece driveshaft with universal joints at each end, and the rear differential mounted to the rear suspension. There is no transfer case between the transmission and driveshaft. If a transfer case-like component is present, the vehicle has been substantially modified or misidentified.
2
Identify Actual Component Requiring Service
If you are hearing grinding, whining, or clicking noises, determine the source: manual transmission noise typically occurs in all gears or specific gears; driveshaft universal joint noise occurs during acceleration/deceleration and may include vibration; rear differential noise is usually a whine that changes with speed. Use a mechanic's stethoscope or systematically isolate the noise source by operating the vehicle in different conditions.
3
Consult Correct Repair Procedure
Once the actual faulty component is identified, refer to the appropriate repair procedure: for manual transmission issues, see 'Manual Transmission Overhaul' or 'Manual Transmission Bearing Replacement'; for driveshaft issues, see 'Driveshaft Universal Joint Replacement' or 'Driveshaft Balance and Runout'; for rear differential issues, see 'Rear Differential Ring and Pinion Replacement' or 'Rear Differential Bearing Service'.

Reassembly

Not applicable - this vehicle does not have the component specified in this repair procedure

Verification

Verify vehicle is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette by checking VIN and body style
Confirm vehicle has rear-wheel drive only configuration with no transfer case present
Identify the actual drivetrain component requiring service and select the correct repair procedure