Never posted here but read the forum often and found some veritable geniuses here although they probably are too humble to claim their fame. I do enjoy seeing the exchange of information here to help others.
my troubles though. I purchased a rebuilt transfer case for my 97 Ranger and on the original on the back side just above where the brown wire exits the case there is a hole in a high spot on the case next to the driveshaft flange and on mine the hole is cast shut. No cal or plug in place. On tje rebuilt this hole goes all the way through and with light some internal components are visible. I suppose its possible the rebuilt is a different year case but still fits but not sure yet. Question is should that hole be closed up or should it be open? I have searched all over for photos but none show enough to tell if it is open or cast shut like my original. Any ideas or confirmation available? Is there maybe a ruber plug that doesn't exist on mine because its cast shut?
it would suck to send it back cause I waited for a month for it. Thanks much for reading and helping if you can. Most of you are familiar with the view in the photos if you have a 4wd.
The photo of the rebuilt doesn't show the view directly into the hole but I did lift the box and could see inside the case.

Original cast shut

Rebuilt open to tje case interior

 

Welcome to the forum

What year is the Ranger?

The only "open" hole on transfer case should be on the front side and is the Vent port that has a hose attached and a small filter on the end, end is mounted up on the body so water can't get in

Vent port can be seen in these images: https://www.therangerstation.com/wp-...sfer_cases.png
Gold color on two of the 3, for location, then can then be seen on the 3rd

 

Hole you've pictured looks as though it is for a vehicle speed sensor. If your truck does not use one, you can grab any VSS from the JY or even use a "freeze plug" to cover the hole in the rebuilt one.

I believe some year trucks are not equipped with a transmission/transfer case mounted sensor, but I do not have that information on hand.