[Turbocharged]

Originally Posted by 96_Tsi_AWD

so that's why i was wondering what ELSE there is that's common that i could check NOW instead of waiting for it to break.

Two things come to mind.

Check the transfer case fluid level. The 2g cases are known to leak causing the transfer case to lock up. There was a recall for this but even after mitsubishi preformed the recall for me, the transfer case still leaked (all they did was top off the fluid and said there was no leak). The leak occurs on the rear yoke where the driveshaft connects.

http://www.vfaq.com/FAQlocator-drivetrain.html

Measure the crankshaft endplay. The 2g 7 bolt motors have been known to have premature thrust bearing failure (crankwalk). I have had 2 7 bolt motors walk on me. The problem is supposedly less common on cars with automatic transmissions.