Why '98 into 2000 transfercase swap is not just "bolt on"

[GaryS]

I was hoping that I could just swap a TC from a '98 Astro into my 2000 and forget the electronic problems I have been having. It turns out that it is not as easy as I had hoped. viewtopic.php?f=70&p=183557#p183557

The front drivelines connect differently and the rear drivelines are not the same size.

My existing setup:


The '98TC:

notice that the "98 has a flange to mount front driveline.

To do the swap it looks like I would have to utilize the '98 drivelines, but then I don't know if the '98 drivelines would work with my existing differentials.

It seemed like it was going to be so simple.

[redfury]

I'd be willing to bet they would. My transfer case uses the same type of slide on front axle driveshaft to transfer case splines, the front differential is 4 bolts. My van is a 98, with a 4wd transfer case out of the S10 Blazers. I can only assume that when the transfer case was swapped in, the PO changed the front axle to either a newer Astro Axle or used one off the S10. The bolts that hold the front axle driveshaft are 12mm Star type bolts if I remember correctly.

So, if you can get a 98 style axle from a Pick and Pull, you should be good to go. Just make sure you measure approximate length...I just looked at NAPA online and it looks like a 98 S10 uses the same style slip in axle shaft as the AWD Astro, so you'll want to find a 98 Astro driveshaft for the front axle.