Auto xfer case, manual xfer case, internal differences?

[V8HAHA]

I have a transfer case off of an auto car. My car is a 5-speed. I found a non-working xfer case for really cheap. My question is, can I swap the internal parts from the working auto xfer case i have into the non working manual one? I am thinking yes. Any help appreciated.

 

[kyledykstra]

if you maintain the rear gear from the 5 speed.

 

[V8HAHA]

Can you elaborate a little?

 

[kyledykstra]

Can you elaborate a little?

sorry. Automatic and 5-speeds have different gears in the rear end and transfer case, if they don't match, you'll grind things up in a hurry.

(I guess you could also find an automatic rear pumpkin too... not sure how hard they are to find, I haven't broken mine yet )

I'd check out the AT forum and search around, I know the info's in there in a much better format than my work-addled mind can produce.

 

[V8HAHA]

the guy says that the 5 speed xfer case makes noises... thats all he knows. I am thinking this means the internals are shot? How much is there to a xfer case, a lot of internal parts?

 

[jesepes]

Auto and Manual transfer cases are the same gear ratio. The rearends are different gear ratios. If you have a 1g you must use a 1g transfer case. The gear ratios between 1g's and 2g's are different.
http://www.vfaq.com/index-main.html

 

[V8HAHA]

Ok I pulled this link from VFAQ, but to be honest all the info I am trying to gather is going right over my head, gear ratios and whatnot I just plain dont get yet.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/Trannies.html

Could someone take a look and tell me what they think?

The transfer ratio is the same on both AT and MT, but the primary and secondary are different, does this make a matter?

Here is his explaination of what is wrong with the manual case: "It's mostly when you speed up and then let off the gas in second and third gear and I hear a 'winding down noise'".

Ultimate question: Can I swap all the good internal parts of my AT transfer case into a 5-speed transfer case with bad internal parts, and mate it with my 5-speed tranny?

 

[V8HAHA]

Should this be moved to advanced tech then?

 

[V8HAHA]

Heeelllpp!! I really need help here. If nothing else, can a mod please move this to the drivetrain forum?

 

[jesepes]

Yes, you can, IF the spline count is the same. Count the splines or test fit your trans tcase together.

While you are in the tcase count the gear teeth. Make sure they are the same in BOTH of your tcases.

Have you tried simply putting the auto tcase on?? did it fit?? Is the bolt pattern different?

I'm going off the VFAQ info. I know what the other numbers and such are, and they don't directly apply to you, only the tcase ratio. For all 1g's it's 1.090, auto or 5-speed.

Good luck,

-Jesse

 

[kyledykstra]

Yes, you can, IF the spline count is the same. Count the splines or test fit your trans tcase together.

While you are in the tcase count the gear teeth. Make sure they are the same in BOTH of your tcases.

Have you tried simply putting the auto tcase on?? did it fit?? Is the bolt pattern different?

I'm going off the VFAQ info. I know what the other numbers and such are, and they don't directly apply to you, only the tcase ratio. For all 1g's it's 1.090, auto or 5-speed.

Good luck,

-Jesse

I dunno if the VFAQ is wrong, or the people I talked to, but when I was looking into swapping my M/T into an A/T 1g, I was told by many, many people who's information I trust that you cannot mix and match, because the rear end gear is different from A/T to M/T, and so you must use the corresponding t-case or you'll rip it up.

 

[jesepes]

I'm sorry none of us has a more definitive answer for you. I hope someone who KNOWS will put in some info. I feel confidant in my assessment, but then so does dude. If it were me, I would not be scared to find out myself, and I would start by opening both cases and count gear teeth. Then I'd check to see if splines matched. If they were the same, then I'd do it. But that's just me.

Once again, good luck in solving your problem and finding someone who KNOWS. Let us know what you find. I'd like to know what you find.

-Jesse

 

[steve]

The whole TC has a different part number between the two manual ones and the AT one.
The internal bearings, shafts, and gears have the same part numbers in CAPS as a 23 spline MT one from the quick look I just did. Keep in mind you'll need to reshim the parts for the new case. Double check the part numbers with CAPS to make sure I didn't mess up.

Steve

 

[V8HAHA]

Ok, I don't understand this "reshim" thinger... can you explain a little more? Is it tough... am I in over my head? Nor do I know what CAPS is...? I am assuming some sort of system with part numbers that I don't have. I really appreciate the input here. I am going to go ahead and get the 5-speed and try and swap out the inernals of it. I don't mind getting my hands dirty. I am no mechanic, but I would consider myself mechanically inclined...

Thanks!!

 

[steve]

Sounds like you don't have a manual either. If that's the case your in way over your head.

All the bearings are preloaded using shims and the gear mesh is adjusted with them.

You first assemble the case with solder and torque the bolts, then disassemble it and measure with a micrometer the thickness of the crushed solder and select the shim thichness from that. You'll really need the FSM (preferably the manual CD since it also has the overhaul manula on it) to see what order you adjust the mesh and bearing shims. You'll also need a dial micrometer to measure backlash.

Steve

 

[kyledykstra]

I'd PM a moderator and get this moved to the drivetrain forum, I doubt most of the guys with enough experience to give you a definitive answer browse through this section that often. You could also try PMing "transdude", he's always been able to answer any trans/drivetrain questions I've had.

 

[V8HAHA]

Sounds like you don't have a manual either. If that's the case your in way over your head.

All the bearings are preloaded using shims and the gear mesh is adjusted with them.

You first assemble the case with solder and torque the bolts, then disassemble it and measure with a micrometer the thickness of the crushed solder and select the shim thichness from that. You'll really need the FSM (preferably the manual CD since it also has the overhaul manula on it) to see what order you adjust the mesh and bearing shims. You'll also need a dial micrometer to measure backlash.

Steve

My car is a manual, but damn this sounds pretty hard. I do have the DSM CD so I'm gunna have to check that out. Thanks a lot steve.

 

[DSMeclipse4G63]

If you dont know what re shimming is Id recomend not do this job and taking it somewhere. If you dont shimm enough youll have too much play and it you over shim it it is be too tight and things will heat up and break. Backlash specs, and tooth contact patterns is something you may not even find in a factory manual(now that I think of it backlash will most likely be there). But again If you dont know what shimming is or how to do It, or how to check for backlash, Id recomend you to your local dealer, as that isnt the only thing youll need to do to check during the swap. Even if your off by a few tenths will determine how short the life will be.
Andrew