Fabco: A Legacy in Heavy-Duty Drivelines and Transfer Cases

Fabco Automotive Corporation is an iconic name in the commercial vehicle and specialty drivetrain industry, with roots stretching back to 1918 in Livermore, California. Originally focused on innovative drivetrain solutions such as flexible couplings and diesel engines in the early 20th century, Fabco would go on to build a reputation as a premier manufacturer of transfer cases, steer drive axles, power take-off units, and specialty drivelines for severe-duty trucks and off-highway vehicles.

Fabco’s Drive for Innovation

Early Years

Fabco’s foray into heavy-duty drivetrain components began in earnest with custom axle and power divider designs in the 1930s and ’40s, including the development of its first transfer case, the DD71-4B in 1936 — a foundational product that set the stage for decades of drivetrain engineering advancement.

Expansion into AWD and Specialty Vehicles

By the 1950s and ’60s, Fabco began producing complete all-wheel-drive (AWD) conversions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, along with front drive axles and transfer cases that offered highway-capable AWD performance — a key differentiator compared to earlier systems that compromised speed and comfort. Fabco’s technology was applied to brands such as Ford, GMC, International, Mack, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Western Star, Sterling, and Autocar, as well as conversions on Freightliner and Volvo chassis. 

Aftermarket and Service Parts — OEM Quality You Can Trust

Fabco’s influence continues in the heavy-duty truck aftermarket through replacement parts, rebuilt units, and service components. Aftermarket suppliers stock a full range of Fabco transfer case parts such as:

• Cases, shafts, and gearing
• Seals, bearings, gaskets, and rebuild kits
• Shift cylinders and linkage parts
• Power take-off rebuild components

These OEM-quality parts support maintenance and rebuild efforts for fleets and heavy service providers, helping restore Fabco transfer cases and PTO units to like-new performance while maximizing uptime and durability. 

Fabco’s Industry Significance and Merger with Meritor

Over nearly a century, Fabco established itself as a go-to name for rugged transfer cases and drivetrain solutions in severe-duty truck and specialty vehicle markets. Its emphasis on engineered robustness made Fabco units common choices for AWD truck packages and vocational upfits that demanded unmatched torque handling and flexibility. 

In 2017, Meritor, Inc. acquired Fabco’s product portfolio and related technologies, bringing Fabco transfer cases, auxiliary gearboxes, and PTO units into Meritor’s global offerings — expanding their reach into off-highway, defense, rail, and construction sectors while preserving Fabco’s legacy in both OEM and aftermarket channels.

Applications Across Truck Platforms

Fabco transfer cases and drivelines have been found across a wide variety of applications:

• Heavy-duty commercial trucks — such as International, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Western Star and Freightliner AWD models.
• Fire, rescue, utility and construction vehicles — AWD transfer cases meet severe service demands. 
• Military and off-highway equipment — units configured for rugged, high-torque environments. 
• Split-shaft PTO installations — powering deck equipment, pumps, and auxiliary hydraulic systems. 

Fabco’s long history and engineering focus made it a cornerstone of heavy-duty drivelines, especially transfer cases for AWD trucks and specialty equipment. With key models like TC-38, TC-237, and PTO-TC series, and widespread aftermarket support for genuine parts and rebuilds, Fabco remains essential to vocational truck performance — now integrated into the Meritor product family for broader global reach.

Looking for Fabco transfer cases for sale? Popular models include Fabco TC-38 transfer case, Fabco TC-237 two-speed transfer case, and Fabco TC-170 single-speed unit, all of which can be found new, rebuilt, or used in heavy-duty and 4×4 applications. Fabco PTO-TC series power take-off units also deliver auxiliary drive capability for vocational trucks. 

Need Fabco transfer case parts like gear sets, bearings, seals, and rebuild kits? We supply OEM-quality components to keep these rugged units performing at peak levels across fleets and industrial applications. We have all the components and units in stock ready to go. Contact us today to get your quote.

.wppsac-post-slider h2.wppsac-post-title, .wppsac-post-carousel h2.wppsac-post-title, .wppsac-post-slider h2.wppsac-post-title a, .wppsac-post-carousel h2.wppsac-post-title a { font-size:16px !important; line-height:-5px !important; }