Front Differential 1 or 2 actuting switches

[deadbeat]

This may be obvious but I have searched some, need a replacement front differential and I don't have the knowledge or picture reference to know how to determine between a 1 actuating switch or 2, can someone post a pic or info so I know I ordered the right one?

 

[deadbeat]

Trying to find a picture of a 2 switch housing, here is a post that says it is a 1 switch housing, which is what the one I am working on looks like.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-Chevy...ash=item3f8549082e:g:SfEAAOSw409ZxDdp&vxp=mtr

I still need to find what a 2 switch housing looks like so I can rule out for sure having it. I wonder if they can be interchanged by changing that cover anyways?

 

[deadbeat]

This seems to be a 2 plug one, a wire comes out at the base of the actuator.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/CARRIER-FI...:Tahoe&hash=item3d2cf40189:g:CSMAAOSwo4pYQ1mG

 

[evilunclegrimace]

I think what you are looking at is two different style actuators. The one in the second pic is the old style thermal actuator that has now been replaced by the one in the first pic which is an electric style.

The old style thermal was slow to engage especially in cold weather. The newer style electric is much quicker to engage.

 

[deadbeat]

You are right, but 1997 was the split year so I really didn't know what to look for until I seen the picture of the wire coming out from above the actuator, just posted the pics in case anyone else needs help because I couldn't find much about anywhere on the net.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

The electric actuator fits 1500 series K trucks from 1988 through 1999 and several other trucks up to 2005.

 

[deadbeat]

Are these front ends interchangable if you unholy the actuator plate?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Are these front ends interchangable if you unholy the actuator plate?

You wanna try that in plain English?

 

[deadbeat]

Dang Phone, Auto correct changed it. Are they the same if you unbolt the actuator plate and change it? I found a low mileage 1 switch differential, if I change the plate and switches can I use it on a 2 switch differential?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Dang Phone, Auto correct changed it. Are they the same if you unbolt the actuator plate and change it? I found a low mileage 1 switch differential, if I change the plate and switches can I use it on a 2 switch differential?

I am not sure what plate that you are talking about. The actuators unscrew from the right side tube, the threads are the same. You can use either the thermal or electric actuator in the front diff.