AWD conversion to 4x4

FROM AWD'S TO 2-SPEED MANUAL SHIFT, IF IT LINKS THE REAR AXLE TO THE FRONT AXLE, POST IT HERE.
Post Reply

Topic author
LarryElite
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:36 am

AWD conversion to 4x4

Post by LarryElite »

Where may I obtain information on converting a 2002 Astro AWD to a 4x4?

Cobra
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 1750
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 2:31 pm
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: AWD conversion to 4x4

Post by Cobra »

well your on the right site that's for sure, i know there is some threads about putting new transfer cases in manuel shift 2 speed is a sticked topic in the 4X4 section and there are a couple about user controlled electrically engaged cases
this is the one i would like to do if my T-case ever dies
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2586

Welcome buy the way
1998 GMC Safari AWD, BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A
Jet performance tuner 91 octane preset, Jet under-drive pulleys
Rancho 999000 series shock, on-board controller to be installed later
DHC rock rails and skid plate Add-A-Leaf
G3500 front calipers
Zexel Torsen Diff
11" drums
180 amp Alternator
Long tru-cool 4590 trans cooler

1997 gone
User avatar

dunedog
ASV Supporter
ASV Supporter
Posts: 686
Joined: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:22 pm
Location: Pioneer Valley WMass

Re: AWD conversion to 4x4

Post by dunedog »

......welcome and I'll only do this once 'cause I'm nice and you're new...lol

Go to the Board Index scroll down to AWD/4X4 open that part of the forum and scroll to the fourth (4th) item down and that would be a good start on what you're after.... you'll also find most of the other related stuff (lifts etc) in this section. :bounce:
1999 LS AWD 3" Lift,4.10's,Snowplow,9500lb Ramsey winch
User avatar

Snowgeek
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 168
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2012 7:10 am
Location: Boise, Id
Been thanked: 1 time
Contact:

Re: AWD conversion to 4x4

Post by Snowgeek »

Welcome! On your rig you have a couple of options. I chose the NP236 transfer case swap because it allowed me to keep AWD (best for snow) and also achieve 4hi and 4low. This is a bolt in t-case but requires a good bit of re-wiring, 25ish wires are either added or moved.

If you don't care about AWD then there are two other cases that are typically used, NP231 and NP233. While I haven't spent much time reading about these cases, my understanding is that the NP231 will be a tried and true manual t-case and the NP233 is push button shift but that folks like Herbie created a manual shifter to take the place of the electronics.

There are a couple of other options out there i believe that Photovan has another case that allowed awd.... this may have come with less wiring than the 236 but it required some t-case modifications if I remember right.

You can see the thread that I followed for my 236 swap here:
How to wire up a NP 236 in place of a 136.

Here is the document that I built to clean up that information:


Good Luck!
2004 Astro (was AWD now 4X4) 125,000 miles: purchased April 2012
Colorado Camper Van poptop
4" Overland lift, Rancho 5000 Cooper AT3 245/75/16 C,
4x4 - NP236 Transfercase
Propex HS2211 propane heater
I am copying a few of you hope you don't mind!

See my build here
Post Reply