Transfer case? or Transmission??

[Buck]

Hey guys. First of all i've got a 96 3.0 4x4 with an A4LD and a manual transfer case. So today my truck was making a sorta grinding noise in first gear. Once it shifted into second gear the noise went away. I put a new transmission in about 30 or 40K miles ago and i've heard plenty about the a4ld being a pos. On my way home i stopped by my mechanic and he drove it around for a bit to try and figure it out. He said it might be the transfer case but to take it to a transmission shop to be sure. I guess my question is why would it be the transfer case if it only grinds in first gear? I'm just thinking its the tranny again. Any thoughts on this would really be appreciated. Thanks fellas!

 

[Trigger]

Not sure why it only happens in first gear, but I also had a grinding noise a few years back and yes my transfer case finally gave out. Had to put in 4x4 to get on a trailer.