2008 Transfer case noise

Hello, long time reader who finally has a reason to post.

I recently had to retire my 2000 Tundra thanks to the salt they use around here and picked up a used 2008 double cab with 140k miles that lived it's while life in the south (no rust). I got it for a good price because there's a noise when in 4wd. Sounds like something rubbing (sort of). It only does it when accelerating or decelerating and above about 20 mph. I assumed it was the transfer case, possibly a bearing going bad (or if they use one, the chain).

When up on my lift it's not under load so it doesn't make any noise. When in 2wd if I turn the front drive shaft it doesn't feel smooth, I would say kind of like gears not meshing correctly. I checked the oil in the transfer case and it looks fine. My next step is to remove the driveshaft to eliminate the front diff. It shifts in and out of 4wd fine.

I've done some reading and most everything seams to be related to the actuator. I was hoping for someone might have a suggestion or two. I couldn't find much in the way of parts to repair the transfer case, just seals and bearings. There's a couple local salvage yards that have replacements with under 100k miles for $250 or so. I don't mind spending the money and then taking mine apart at my leisure as long as it is the problem.