I've located a transfer case from a 95 astro van; the salvage yard has to ship it in from out of state. Says it should be a drop in replacement. $400 with a 6 month warranty vs. $850 plus shipping (twice- they want the core back- $250. core)...thinking if it fits, the one from the astro is the way to go. Comments? Thanks, Cornell
Transfer case compatibility
- Thread starter red_shift
- Start date
'JustDreamin'
Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: Transfer case compatibility
I can't speak to compatibility specifically, but here's my suggestions / limited knowledge.
The Astro case uses a slightly different chain. This shouldn't affect interchangeability at all, only replacement parts (if and/or when you need them).
It seems every model year of Astro & Bravada (and the Sy's and Ty's) had something different (its probably not every year, but it looks like every 2 years something changed). The front output shaft flange diameter and the rear output spline count were what changed.
I'd suggest you take a look at your current unit and do some measuring.
1.) Measure the front output flange diameter. I think the two options were about 4" and about 5".
2.) Count the number of splines in the output shaft (end of driveshaft). The choices there are 27 spline or 32 spline.
Then, have your vendor figure out whether the parts are the same or not. Get them to measure & count. They probably won't want to do it, but thats about the only way you can guarantee that the parts will interchange when they show up. Otherwise you'll be faced with either returning it or changing parts to make everything work (like swapping to a different flange on the propshaft or a different yoke on the driveshaft, neither of which are free).
'Dreamin'
I can't speak to compatibility specifically, but here's my suggestions / limited knowledge.
The Astro case uses a slightly different chain. This shouldn't affect interchangeability at all, only replacement parts (if and/or when you need them).
It seems every model year of Astro & Bravada (and the Sy's and Ty's) had something different (its probably not every year, but it looks like every 2 years something changed). The front output shaft flange diameter and the rear output spline count were what changed.
I'd suggest you take a look at your current unit and do some measuring.
1.) Measure the front output flange diameter. I think the two options were about 4" and about 5".
2.) Count the number of splines in the output shaft (end of driveshaft). The choices there are 27 spline or 32 spline.
Then, have your vendor figure out whether the parts are the same or not. Get them to measure & count. They probably won't want to do it, but thats about the only way you can guarantee that the parts will interchange when they show up. Otherwise you'll be faced with either returning it or changing parts to make everything work (like swapping to a different flange on the propshaft or a different yoke on the driveshaft, neither of which are free).
'Dreamin'
BLACK92TY
It's never enough
Re: Transfer case compatibility
Agreed.
I just replaced my xcase like 2 weeks ago and it was the typical screw-up. I told the guy over the phone repeatedly that it was for a "GMC Typhoon" and he says "Yeah yeah I got one."
Anyways to make a long story short, they sent me the wrong one and I didn't even know it until I was about 95% done (putting the driveshaft back in) when I noticed the rear output spline was too small. I should've taken the time to atleast set the xcases next to each other beforehand to make sure they were identical. That's what happens when you're in a hurry though.
JustDreamin said:
Agreed.
I just replaced my xcase like 2 weeks ago and it was the typical screw-up. I told the guy over the phone repeatedly that it was for a "GMC Typhoon" and he says "Yeah yeah I got one."
Anyways to make a long story short, they sent me the wrong one and I didn't even know it until I was about 95% done (putting the driveshaft back in) when I noticed the rear output spline was too small. I should've taken the time to atleast set the xcases next to each other beforehand to make sure they were identical. That's what happens when you're in a hurry though.
mattw
Active member
Re: Transfer case compatibility
I can tell you that I have pulled 1 Astro van case & driveshafts + 1 Olds Bravada case & shafts from harry's u-pull-it in Hazelton PA and I paid much much much less than the prices you posted...
Now I did have to lay on my back in the mud under vehicles held up by old rims welded together but I enjoy that kinda stuff...
-Matt
I can tell you that I have pulled 1 Astro van case & driveshafts + 1 Olds Bravada case & shafts from harry's u-pull-it in Hazelton PA and I paid much much much less than the prices you posted...
Now I did have to lay on my back in the mud under vehicles held up by old rims welded together but I enjoy that kinda stuff...
-Matt
Re: Transfer case compatibility
I did find one TC of questionable heritage for $50., and it may be worth a shot. The best thing for me is to at least do some measuring and counting at this point; and go from there.
FWIW, I did alot of parts yanking years ago; mostly in 100+ summers. Still enjoy tinkering but not enough hours in the day to cruise salvage yards....(yeah, we got one...about 46 rows back close to the fence; watch out for snakes...) rhe best was the old lady that would yell at us from across a canal and throw rocks...
I did find one TC of questionable heritage for $50., and it may be worth a shot. The best thing for me is to at least do some measuring and counting at this point; and go from there.
FWIW, I did alot of parts yanking years ago; mostly in 100+ summers. Still enjoy tinkering but not enough hours in the day to cruise salvage yards....(yeah, we got one...about 46 rows back close to the fence; watch out for snakes...) rhe best was the old lady that would yell at us from across a canal and throw rocks...