Meterpig's Build thread (Tcase, Tires, Wheels, etc)

[Meterpig]

Ok, since we all get one build per person, I will just use this space. First off...I don't have the van yet needed as a the blank space. However, the list is already made based on my current 02 that will soon find a new loving home.

Here is the list so far.
1. Borg warner 4472 (BW4472) swap out for the evil, dreaded NP136 pile of garbage and hopefully gain more consistent 4wd. After working a deal with another member who really hooked me up with a very nice BW4472. After googling/searching around for days... (and I mean days!) and couldn't find a single member or other astro owner who had done thing. I did find a few S10/typhoon owners who did and reported happiness. Of course..now someone with better google fu will whip out a link....which is fine. Anyway, when the Tcase and rear axle arrived...I of course had to play with it.

When I pulled it all out, my first assumption was wrong. The assumption that the front end free spins freely is all wrong. What happens, as I am sure most know, both output shafts at speed with the input shaft. When the van turns, the clutch is only in use during a turn. The assumption that I have read that the ATF "gells" or something like that is incorrect. This Tcase I had was dry so none of that action.

Ok, now my appreciation for this engineering marvel has increased. Man...why did GM ditch the best Tcase around? Well, it's obvious to me now.

So, the Tcase and axle waiting for the next van.

[chevymaher]

One Build per person? As Uncle Bob says "We don't need no stinkin rules."
Have as many as you want. One for interior, one for electrical, body, suspension, etc etc.
Good deal and have fun on your build.

[WoodButcher]

You got a T-case and rear,
you have a van but these parts are for another as of yet unfound van?
That T-case would be gen I, no?
What is the rear end from?
You do understand that astro rears are offset right?

[Meterpig]

I have a tcase and rear driveshaft. My original plan was to put it into my 02. However, the 02 isn't what I want to spend more time with. What are referring to about the offset rear axle?

The Tcase is from a 98.

[chevymaher]

What are referring to about the offset rear axle?

The rear pumpkin is offset. One axle is longer than the other. So the drive shaft misses the gas tank.

[Meterpig]

So, I stopped by the pick and pull today and found a 95 with a very nice front axle that will be liberated by me soon. Booya!