T Case swap to 4x4

[Shagmobile]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum please dont mind some basic questions. I have a 2001 AWD astro with a NV136 tcase full time AWD which is OK but I would like to have 2/4 drive with Hi/Lo if I could have AWD with it that would be great I was wondering if I could put a NV236 T-case in my van if so what would I need? controler wireing harness and what would be a good doaner truck or should I just stick with a 2/4 Hi/Lo case. If I was to make a T-case change could I keep my front Diff with the new setup.Any part number would be of great help.

Thanks Frank G

[mdmead]

Hi All

I'm new to the forum please dont mind some basic questions. I have a 2001 AWD astro with a NV136 tcase full time AWD which is OK but I would like to have 2/4 drive with Hi/Lo if I could have AWD with it that would be great I was wondering if I could put a NV236 T-case in my van if so what would I need? controler wireing harness and what would be a good doaner truck or should I just stick with a 2/4 Hi/Lo case. If I was to make a T-case change could I keep my front Diff with the new setup.Any part number would be of great help.

Thanks Frank G

I don't have the answer, but it is a question I've wondered too. Seems to me if you swapped the t-case and the PCM from the doner vehicle, it could work. Easiest would be from a similar year S-10 Blazer I'd guess.

In my exploration on a 5.3L swap, I've come across people who can completely reprogram the PCMs, so it seems yours may work too.

But I really don't know....

If you decide to be the guina pig, please write it up and post lots of pics!

[rlsllc]

I know a member on the AS.com swapped in a T-case from an 1995 S-10 Blazer that had a 4.3 and a 5 speed, and it bolted in, even his driveshafts fit OK. His van had the electronic case like yours. My '91 van has the NP231 from an older blazer, and mine had to have both shafts made. I don't think the PCM will even see that the T-case is different, but I don't know. Seems that the guy on the other board unhooked something?? I know it was a green van, and had BCSU or CD1 something in his name, sorry that I don't remember. Do a search at AS.com. Good Luck.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

That was Hanan, screen name BCSUVan.

There have been a couple of guys who swapped in electric shifted NV233's. For this swap you need to grab the donor t-case, TCCM and dash switches. There was a very nice write-up on http://www.astrosafari.com. You would have to search to see if you can find it...it was a couple years ago at least.

As far as I know, nobody has swapped in an AWD, 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO.

[mdmead]

As far as I know, nobody has swapped in an AWD, 2HI, 4HI, N, 4LO.

I don't think anyone has either. This is the swap I'd be most interested in as I hate giving up the AWD function. (Of course I'd rather have a viscous AWD system with 4hi/4lo, but a person can only be so choosy I guess.....)

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Hmmmm...you know Matt...I think you could have the best of both worlds if you want. Put a range case in front of the AWD case. Then you have the viscous AWD function with the ability to go into low range. Here are some links to look over for ideas:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

[mdmead]

Hmmmm...you know Matt...I think you could have the best of both worlds if you want. Put a range case in front of the AWD case. Then you have the viscous AWD function with the ability to go into low range. Here are some links to look over for ideas:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... =box4rocks

Well that's interesting, isn't it?!

Another thing I've wondered about is going with an older Jeep transfer case. Older Grand Cherokees and probably Cherokees offered AWD/4hi/4lo cases which were viscous. I never did any serious investigating though on which side drop, adapting to the 4L60E, and if they are strong enough.

Thanks for the links Dean!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If you used one of Advance Adapters4L60E to Jep t-case adapters it could work. The Jeep case you want is the NV249.

[SAS H3T]

Jeep made two flavors in the New Process/New Venture series.
Command-Trac (part-time never to be used on dry pavement) and Select-Trac (viscous couplings that allowed bind relief).
The older non-electric models were 242 units. Dean listed the later models above.