2001 4WD tranny problem now....

[2nomadude]

I've got a 2001 'Noma, 4.3 4WD, maintained and babied, am trying to make it last! Now slipping first gear and no reverse.... No SES light, no codes. Hellish noise coming from transfer case. Finally swapped the Xfer case out but still no reverse, so it's gotta be the tranny I assume. 53K miles seems a little light to huff a tranny. Once a month I'd drive about a mile in 4 high and 4 low (to keep things lubed). Had the cold-no start issue (injectors?), but now it's warm, that's not a problem. I'm frustrated to need a new tranny.... Anyone have any (positive!) suggestions? Anyone have similiar issue(s)? Thanks for any and all help!

[Schrade]

Gosh 2noma... Why did you swap the transfer case expecting a change in not having reverse? Reverse doesn't come from the Xcas... And the hellish noise? Why do you think it's from the Xcase? When do you get the noise? Idling in park? How 'bout neutral? Tranny in reverse? In drive? Does the noise change with speed? Noise in 2lo, 4lo, 4hi, or all 3? Try to give up all the info goodies, you might get a $9.00 fix...