First lets take a look at the gear drive t/case.

    From 1979 to 1995, Toyota designed the mini-trucks with a very dependable gear driven transfer case. This transfer case, model RF1A (pictured), featured a four piece design. It is this design which separates Toyota's transfer case from the rest. With strong front output gears and an available 23-spline input, like Toyota, Marlin Crawler knew for sure that this was the transfer case of choice. And since the case is uniquely comprised of four pieces, we are easily able to obtain a lower crawl ratio.

    The first piece is the reduction housing. This is where the factory reduction gears are found. In High range, these gears are bypassed and the overall transfer case ratio is 1:1. But when shifted into Low range, the resulting transfer case ratio then becomes 2.28:1 (stock).

Benefits of a Gear Drive Transfercase:

• Multiple Housings
• Stronger Gears (no chain stretch)
• Stronger Bearings
• Stronger Case Design
• 21- or 23-spline Input Gear
• 23-spline input gear
• No Oil Pump Required
• Fewer Moving Parts
• Accepts Marlin Crawler Gears
• Accepts Marlin Crawler Dual Cases
• Can be located in most recycling yards

Benefits of a Chain Drive Transfercase:

• Shift into 4WD at speeds up to 50 MPH
• Weighs Less
• Lower Stock Low Range (2.57)

If you have 7 bolts in the rear cover then you have the gear driven unit.
If you have 5 bolts holding the rear cover then you have the chain drive unit.

Gear drive unit with 7 bolts pictured above.
Bolt #7 is behind the drive shaft and can't be seen in this picture.

More Gear Driven Transfer Case Information