Swapping from the NP136 to the BW4472 (need feedback please)

[Meterpig]

So, first I want to thank Photo_Van for playing into my devious plans. As I mentioned before, I am on NP136 #2. #1 froze up and stretched the chain probably due to my negligence. I learned that the Tcase fluid must be changed every 15k under "hard" use. I would say...I use it "hard". So, #2 went in from a junk yard with fresh fluid and lasted one season before losing AWD. Then...this winter the "service AWD" light came on leading me to believe the motor is now losing life.

Option 1) rebuild my existing case in the corner of my garage which will last x number of months/years depending on use.

Option 2) Get a BW4472 (hopefully from Photovan), change out front shaft and most likely rear and never worry again. The downside being locating/modifying the drive shafts.

So, I have searched for better part of a week and found a few S10 guys who have claimed to have done this with the axles from an older van as well (27 spline vs 32 spline). However, I haven't found a documented case where an owner of an 03-05 astro who went "backward" putting in a BW4472. If you know of a link...please let me know.

One question that has come up is "why not just swap in a selectable t-case?" The answer? My wife drives the van most of the time. I want it to be easy and simple...and when I go to sell...invisible to the buyer. I love the idea of a selectable T-case...however...it would just become more of an incentive to go all the way....

So...good move or bad?

[photo_van]

Besides what we've already talked about PM; if i didn't need low range I would have kept the 4472, it was a great AWD tc. I drove it in a lot of what people might call 4wd instances, never slipped or failed. That said, they do have a viscus clutch, that over time can fail. From reading the forums, perhaps it doesn't happen all that much.

[mdmead]

I LOVE my viscous transfer case! Best single-speed unit out there as far as I'm concerned. This case is what makes the Astro/Safari THE BEST snowy/icy road vehicle out there. Now, just need to find a suitable 2-speed transfer case with a VISCOUS AWD option...

[photo_van]

NP 249; viscous and positive 4LO.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I have owned both transfer cases and much prefer the 4472. You aren't waiting for some rear wheel slip before it engages like the 136. I got no better mileage having the 136. It also has a MUCH higher failure rate. I say switch to the 4472 and never look back...except to see all the 4x4 trucks stuck!

[mdmead]

NP 249; viscous and positive 4LO.

For some reason, I think I might have ruled this case out... but I don't remember why... High failure rate of the viscous unit maybe? I'll look at it again when I get there.. and I'm a long way from there! A unit that also popped up on my radar... don't laugh... was a unit out of a Toyota Land Cruiser. (This one is harder to come by and pricey.)

[ihatemybike]

NP249 aren't looked highly upon by the Jeep crowd, mostly due to the overheating failures with heavy off-road use.

[Meterpig]

I hope this happens...and if it does, I will chronicle it for the internet masses.

[photo_van]

I've been working on boxing it up today. I have to find some additional resources...

[Meterpig]

Alright...so I have been informed the transfer case and axle will be inbound soon. Woot!

[photo_van]

update??

[Meterpig]

So here is the deal, the tcase sits on my work bench. I have sourced a front shaft..and that is the next step. I don't want to swap it to my current van as it's not an 05. But...I realize swapping it to the new van won't be hard either. At any rate, I love having the tcase and the option of the Borg warner and not being stuck with the NP.