Chevy & GMC Vans

Time to get started, beginning with procurement information. The Owyhee trip is coming up and I will need the low range to descend into the canyon, and of course, once I'm down in there, I would like to be able to crawl the van back out again.

Should I just follow the info already laid out in the other electronic shift thread or does the '03 require a different unit?

Is there a list of Tcases that will work for my situation so I can begin shopping for one of them?

How much should I budget for this, not including the beer needed to stock my brother in laws garage fridge.

Any and all info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Tom

You will need to source a NP233C transfer case from an S-10. You are interested in the spline count on the output shaft. Make sure it matches your van's rear drive shaft. Other than that you basically follow the stickied thread.

Charge.....!!!!

dunedog wrote: Charge.....!!!!

I emailed my brother in law to ask if any of those transfer cases I spied hanging around one of his sheds is an NP233C. He replied



"I have 231's 242 and 247 Hmmmm, sounds like a frankenstein in the making"





Its ALIVE!
Well, not yet of course. I don't know if I should be worried or elated?!? :-k

This is going to be great. I too have a 2003 AWD Astro. I just ordered the 2 inch lift from Overland vans, and the bumper relocation brackets.
Once I install the 2 inch lift my DIY front tow hooks can be raise 2 inches with 2 x2 box tube and I won't need to cut out the OEM oval hole in the plastic spoiler.

I will also want to get a 2 speed transfer case. I will start the search at local bone yards for S10 Blazer.
At least there should be a decal or metal tag right on the T-case that tells which model it is. I did check and my stock T case is NP136 (the first digit means 1 speed, the second digit is _______, the third digit is ___________.

I wonder how much a new T case would cost from the gmpartsdepartment.com (about $1200 or so? )

my stock AWD has 3.42 ratio in the axles which I guess is OK for now.

I am also interested in the nice combo rock bar side boards to protect the rocker panel.

I was going to drive some SUV trails in Nor Cal next weekend but after checking the worn and loose tie rods and idlers, I think I will order the MOOG parts and bolt in new stuff before going on dirt roads out in the country.


I will install the K&N 33-2225 air filter soon.

I also notice the small engine oil leak on my 2003 with 82,000 miles, it could be the infamous oil coolant lines.


I will look up the past thread on that.


Astrophysics

I wonder how much a new T case would cost from the gmpartsdepartment.com (about $1200 or so? )


I found these guys, although I haven't ordered one yet.

http://www.drivetrain.com/transfercaseappgm.html

Looks like a good site for T-cases. I think it is wise to get a rebuilt one rather than one from wrecking yard that may have lead a rough life and be ready for major rebuild. if the old junk yard one fails it is very disappointing to have to redo the labor of remove and replace.

If one pays himself $50 an hour for wrenching labor becomes a big part of the total cost of upgrading to 2 speed Tcase. might as well start out with good parts.

since we would be trading in a operational single speed T-case for a 2 speed it also could be smart to keep your existing one and just pay the $350 core charge.


have a good week.


Astrophysics