Transfer box rebuild / replace

[Merlot man]

Hello all
I've had a knocking noise when lifting off the throttle coming from the middle of the bus . I had a mechanic quickly look at it ( he will look at it again in the new year ) and give it a drive , he thinks it could be the transfer box giving up as she also crunches as you turn tightly left or right , like a bad cv joint , the props all look good with no play or excessive movement .
My question is really a research one for now, but can the transfer box be rebuilt or replaced ?
Also would making a 2wd bus out if it be an option and remove the box completely or all the bits inside ?
I've done nothing like this before so as you can tell I know very little about it
If anyone has a known good box out there that they ar willing to sell you might have a customer ! Please get in touch .
I will of course talk to Emma in bongo spares if this is the problem .
As always any and all help and advice greatly appreciated
Brian

[Ian]

Brian, about 10 years ago someone wrote a fact sheet about converting to 2WD and the instructions include removing the transfer box. The fact sheet is in the members area of the BF website and is called 4WD Conversion.

[Merlot man]

Hello Ian ( BONGOMASTER TO THE STARS )
Thanks for that .
I think I read that fact sheet but am I right in thinking , maybe not , that he said simply to remove the front prop shaft and to blank the hole on the transfer box with a tin can to stop oil leaking out ? either way I'm going to have another read of it tonight .
If the box is bad the shafts , chain etc inside will still be rotating and be causing the knocking ? Am I right in saying that ?
If the transfer box can be removed altogether will the "4WD" rear prop work and how do I seal up the gearbox ?
To be honest I don't mind the bus being 2wd and maybe the best thing is to remove the front drive components and "gut" the box of all its parts , does this even make sense ? ..........as you all can tell I know very little about this stuff

As I'm writing this its accorded to me that removing the front prop and driving the bus to see if the knocking has gone away a worthwhile excersize ?
What are people's view on this ?
I know , I'm all questions today ,.. sorry !
As always thanks for the help and advice
Brian