Whether it’s better to buy new transfer cases instead of rebuilt ones?

A lot of people ask whether it’s better to buy new transfer cases instead of rebuilt ones, so I wanted to share my perspective from a recent repair. My Tacoma’s transfer case completely failed—like, metal shavings everywhere—so rebuilding it wasn’t even an option.

I started checking options and quickly realized the price gap is huge. New transfer cases cost more, but they come with peace of mind. Zero mileage, manufacturer warranty, and you know all components are fresh and updated to current specs.

I chose a brand-new unit, and honestly, the truck drives like the day I bought it. Shifts into 4WD are crisp, the power transfer feels balanced, and the low-range engages instantly without any lag or grinding.

So yeah, new units are expensive, but if your old case is too far gone or if you don’t want any risk of previous wear, it’s a solid investment. ¿Curious to hear what others prefer—new or rebuilt?