1988 231 21 spline to 23 spline swap?

[apexjeepinjoe]

What is the most economical way to swap shafts(New or Used?). I am guessing finding a used one would be best but I do not know what other transfer cases would have the correct shaft. The most inexpensive new one I could find online is about $150.00. I am guessing I will need some seals after I take it apart. Any advise would be great.

 

Thanks, Joe

[knever3]

So if I understand you have a 21 spline and you want to go to a 23 spline? The '88 should have a 21 spline tcase. For $150 you should be able to find a 231 23 spline and just swap whole cases and keep the 21 for spare parts. The 23 spline cases are EVERYWHERE compared to the 21. I wouldn't buy a new shaft myself, too expensive for a part that rarely wears out in my humble opinion.

 

CL is the way I'd go.

[jimoshel]

Go used. $15-$20 as compared to $100 and up. Inspect it for straightness and dents. A little dent, marble size won't hurt anything. Work the U joints checking for smoothness and no rough or sticky feeling.

[apexjeepinjoe]

Which other transfer cases will work for a used shaft? Around here the cheapest used 231 transfer case you can find is about $200.00

[jpnjim]

Be aware that there was gear pitch changes throughout the years for the input gears, and you can't easily tell the difference by looking at them.

 

I swapped an incorrect 21 spline input into a 23 sp case 10+ years ago

and it sounded like there were rocks in the transfer case.

 

The year case & input SHOULD have been comparable,

but they were not.

 

It was horrible.

 

No combination of parts (sun gear, planetaries, etc) worked,

though no real damage became of the case for running it like this.

No metal ever showed up in the oil, even though it sounded like it was destroying itself.

 

I'd buy the right case, and try to resell yours to recoup some of the cost.

Goodluck.