What manual transfer case to run with a nv4500?

[Burntoutaccountant]

I have a 1989 k1500 with a manual transfer case. I know nothing about Chevy transfer cases. Can I retain my current one or do I need a new one? I’m swapping in a nv4500 out of a 1995 3500.

 

[Supercharged111]

You should have an NP241 in there now. Your options are that or a Borg Warner from a 3500. Your current t-case will require a 32 spline input shaft and bearing installed to bolt to the NV4500 but that's really it.

 

[Burntoutaccountant]

You should have an NP241 in there now. Your options are that or a Borg Warner from a 3500. Your current t-case will require a 32 spline input shaft and bearing installed to bolt to the NV4500 but that's really it.

I’ll call my connection through work to get it. By any chance do you know what bw unit it is? I’m only familiar with the bw1356 in fords.

 

[b454rat]

I'm pretty sure you can use your existing case. I know the 465 used 32 spline, but I thought I read somewhere that even the lite duty manual uses it as well.

 

[Burntoutaccountant]

Ordered a bw4401 transfer case that came attached to the transfer case. This looks like a beefy ******* of a transfer case. Does it require its own crossmember?

 

[MIHELA]

The BW4401 has an electric clutch that needs to be wired in. I've never actually messed with one so I don't know exactly how it's controlled.

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

You should have an NP241 in there now. Your options are that or a Borg Warner from a 3500. Your current t-case will require a 32 spline input shaft and bearing installed to bolt to the NV4500 but that's really it.

The 241 t-case will already have a 32 spline input shaft if O.P.s K1500 came with an OE manual tranny.

My '88 1500 with its original 4.3/Getrag had just that. When I v8/3L80 (that would be the th400) swapped it, it bolted right up. Later when I broke the 400 and decommissioned the beast from road use, I went with a 700r4. The 241 wouldn't attach. Thankfully the 700r4 I bought came with a 27 spline NP241.

Manual tranny, th400, 4L80: 32 spline
700r4, 4L60: 27 spline

It also means that if O.P.s truck had an auto, there should be rebuild parts available to convert what he already has.