Full Size Jeep Network

Hi all,

I'm gathering parts for a 5.3 swap. I bought a complete 2003 Avalanche with a 5.3, 4L60E, and NP246 transfercase. The rig will be my wife's daily driver with only mild 4x4 trail use on occasion. Would you ditch the NP246 for something else? What would you go with?

Thanks!

Np241 is basically the manual shift version of the np246. They are easy to find, fairly cheap, easy and cheap to rebuild if needed, and are pretty decent strength wise.
This is what I used in my swap and several others have used as well. One thing to watch for is the spline count on the main shaft. One has 27 splines, another version of the np241 has 32 splines. If it came from behind a 4L60e then it will be a 27 spline. If it came from behind a 4L80e or a manual 5 speed trans it will be a 32 spline.

XJChad wrote:Np241 is basically the manual shift version of the np246. They are easy to find, fairly cheap, easy and cheap to rebuild if needed, and are pretty decent strength wise.
This is what I used in my swap and several others have used as well. One thing to watch for is the spline count on the main shaft. One has 27 splines, another version of the np241 has 32 splines. If it came from behind a 4L60e then it will be a 27 spline. If it came from behind a 4L80e or a manual 5 speed trans it will be a 32 spline.

Don't forget the bolt pattern. Each manufacturer clocks the NP2xx differently.

It's cheapest and easiest to stick with a Chevy/GMC transfer case that came out of a 1/2 ton pickup or SUV. Going to a different brand truck, you're going to have to deal with adapters.

I would personally not use the 246 because it's used in conjunction with a computer that applies torque biasing based on constant monitoring of the wheel speeds. Sure, you can make it work but there's a lot involved.

The 241 manual shift would be my first choice. The 243 is like the 241 but it has an electric shift motor that is far less complicated than the 246.

The 241 would be most commonly found in base model pickup trucks and less likely to be found as the trim level goes up.

241c

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R4 ... e&_sacat=0

Thanks all for the info. It does seem the 241-c is the most common/favored.

in researching the NP246, I came across this article. This says the 246 isn't even a viable transfercase with solid axles. What do you guys think?

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums ... ap-456553/

rlrobinhood wrote:in researching the NP246, I came across this article. This says the 246 isn't even a viable transfercase with solid axles. What do you guys think?

http://www.performancetrucks&#4 ... ap-456553/

I wouldn't use the 246. Ive had Chevy trucks with that tcase. They are great for winter driving in snow and ice, but when you get stuck and need the power to all wheels it will crap out on you and leave you stuck. (As mentioned above).
My LS swap donor came with a 246. I sold it on craigs for $300. Then I bought two 241c tcases and a rebuild kit and had money leftover.

Atlas! For you when you drive it. [THUMBS UP SIGN][FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]


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Atlas isn't a good case for a driver. It has to be moving to get into gear. So if your stuck you cant switch to 4x4, its too late. That's the nice thing about oem type transfer cases.

I ran a 241c.

Iv had good luck with a np208c on my chief had to swap the rear to a chevy 10 bolt rearend

I ran a NP241C. They are plentiful and cheap at the savage yards. Make sure and take all of the shifter parts too. You just have to cut a new hole in the floor to make it fit but it looks like it belongs there.

I had a Dana 300. Wouldn't recommend it, adapter makes it too close to the transmission oil pan

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sorry for bumping...but thanks for this thread!

rlrobinhood wrote:Hi all,

I'm gathering parts for a 5.3 swap. I bought a complete 2003 Avalanche with a 5.3, 4L60E, and NP246 transfercase. The rig will be my wife's daily driver with only mild 4x4 trail use on occasion. Would you ditch the NP246 for something else? What would you go with?

Thanks!

Did you get the push button switch and tccm?
I pulled those from my donor and plan to use the 246 that came with it. as long as you don't use the automatic 4wd function it should act as a normal push button fwd. The weak point is the encoder motor which could potentially die at any point. I'll run mine until it does and then decide what to switch to.

Original post is from 2014, and the poster has not visited since 2016. Unlikely you will get a response.