Front Diff Delete?

[Festus33]

I recently bought a 2K AWD Astro, that has a shot front diff in it. (My 2nd Astro, I also have a 93 EXT Gladiator conversion.)

Is it possible to just Delete the front drive part of the system, without creating other problem's?

First off I've never had a real need for AWD/4WD and increasing mileage is not the issue either.
Money to spend on a new diff or a rebuild is a bit of an issue.

After reading several other post's here about de activating the AWD, and about running without the half shaft's.
I've come up with this plan of attack, Please let Me know if you see any serious flaw's in My reasoning here.

First I've already pulled the ATC fuse to deactvate the AWD system.
Second I intend to remove the Front Drive shaft (Transfer case to front diff.)
Third I will remove the Half shaft's and disassemble them for the stub end's.
Fourth I will reinstall the Half shaft stub end's back into the bearing pack's to hold everything together.

If I've understood the other post's I've read here, I should then have a Functional RWD van with an unused diff hanging out up front.
I will probably remove the diff later on.

Am I correct in these assumption's, or do I really have My head so far up My Butt that I'm looking at the world through My Navel?

Thank's for any input I can get on this.

Rick

[LiftedAWDAstro]

You got it right. You may get a "service AWD" light but it won't be an issue.

[Festus33]

Thank's Lifted!
I just kind of wanted to verify My thought's with people who share a passion for the Astro.
I'm starting the job tommorow morning, and figure it should only take Me 4-5 hr's.
Depend's on how many cup's of coffee, and smoke break's I take.

Every other person I've discussed this with, said a piece of black tape would cover that light up right quick.

Rick

[lockdoc]

Sounds like you got it. I just can't stand to hear about it though. Such a shame to see an AWD go to waste.

[ihatemybike]

I'm sure you stumbled upon my posts about Grumpy and it's front diff. Watch CL for other cheap AWD vans. I've pulled over $1200 worth of used parts from 25% Off (cost $225) and plan on grabbing a lot more. I plan on getting the engine started just to prove it still runs and drives. That should allow me to sell the engine to recoup my expenses.

[my4ateyour8]

Hi folks.
This is my first post to this forum but after reading this topic I have to comment or question. I thought that the awd transfer case used a viscous coupling between the front and rear outputs and would be damaged if a drive shaft was removed or even if different sized tires were used on the front and back. If so then removing the front driveshaft and/or diff would cause problems. Is that right?

[lockdoc]

my4ateyour8, Yes you are correct. You will eventually burnt out the transfer case. Not to mention your van will not stay put while in park if you are on any kind of hill. He should have this symptom already though if the front diff is broke. But of course that symptom would go away if the transfer case was toasted.

[my4ateyour8]

Isn't it the same transfer case as in the Syclone and Typhoon? The Borg Warner something or other.

Brian C

[ihatemybike]

IIRC, yes the same one.

[rlsllc]

Sounds like you got it. I just can't stand to hear about it though. Such a shame to see an AWD go to waste.

[mdmead]

IIRC, yes the same one.

Well, technically no. The poster is talking about a '00 which is the electronically controlled case, not the earlier viscous unit in the Syclone/Typhoon and earlier vans.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Matt is right. The 2000 AWD t-case is a Borg-Warner 136 electronic case. So just pulling the "ATC" fuse disables it.

[ihatemybike]

IIRC, yes the same one.

Well, technically no. The poster is talking about a '00 which is the electronically controlled case, not the earlier viscous unit in the Syclone/Typhoon and earlier vans.

Doh! Usually I don't make those type of mistakes. Guess I should of looked at his van's year again.

[BREAK]

Anyone know of an online manual or exploded view of the model transfer case found in an 00?
I've never had one apart and have no idea what actually makes it "electric".

[Festus33]

Well I started tearing it down yesterday, and the Van has found it's name already, Red Menace!
It will be the bane of My existance, until I get this job done.
Nothing want's to come apart without major coaxing from the breaker bar, or the BFH.
So 4-5 hr's was being Real optimistic, probably be 3-5 day's now considering I have to work during the week.
Luckily I've got the Grey Ghost to get to and fro with.
Today the holdup is finding the pickle fork to break the ball joint's loose, also My back and knee's start bothering Me after about an hour or so.
We've got all kind's of tool's around here, the problem is finding them when you need them [-o<
I'll try an keep posting update's, as I have them.
Rick