K2500 8 lug diff: Actuator upgrade?

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8flat

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Sorry if this is in the wrong sub-forum, why's this place have so many categories....haha

After a lot of googling I can't find clear answers....my '94 K2500 8lug is super slow to engage, old original thermo actuator I'm guessing. I can't determine if this takes the same part as a 1500 half ton? I'd like to upgrade to an electro-mechanical actuator but can't find info on it. Any help is appreciated!
 

andy396

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8flat

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Thanks Andy! In your opinion are the Dorman actuators as good as GM units? It looks pretty plastic-y. Hell maybe the GM units aren't even sold anymore?
 

andy396

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Hard for me to say. Dorman stuff in general hasn’t let me down the few times I’ve used it. The ACDelco one is still available, around $120 from RockAuto.
 

8flat

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Thanks, I'll check it out, might just go with ACDelco to be safe, had one fail on my 20yrs ago way back in the mountains and damn near had to hike out in the snow, no fun at all....
 

Woody1962

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GM part number 8894695 is the wiring harness and puck kit. When converting to the new style actuator a puck must be used since the new style actuator is shorter. It screws into the same mount your old thermal actuator does and had an extra wire that must be spliced into the transfer case switch to operate properly. Otherwise it’s a plug and play unit. Go to eBay and put that number in search bar and it will bring up wiring kits as well as actuators. AM Auto Parts sells a kit for around $89 and I’ve got one in a 97 K2500 right now that has been in use for about 6 months with no problems.
 

Supercharged111

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I was in a bind and put a Dorman actuator in my truck back in 2012. Knock on wood it's still going, but given the choice I'd run AC Delco.
 

jaydee1445

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CarQuest PTA 1371 looks to be the pigtail plug to roll your own. The electric one uses a power a ground and a second ground to operate.
 
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