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Transfer Case Input Shaft Swap


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The results I find don't end up really helping and instead have members arguing. So hoping to get a clear view here.

 

I just picked up a '96 AX-15 w/o the TC

• The TC from '96 would have a short input with narrow bearing

• My '88 TC would need gear swapped to 23 splines clearly

• Looks like 94.5 and on have a different gear tooth style than earlier

 

Option 1 is swapping for a "pre-95" shaft, but I'm curious about a 2nd option.

If I want to use later style shaft, I need the whole gear setup from late model for it to work, correct? (See Photo)

 

image.png.81edf44059317c12067945a7b3b7a1aa.png

 

Both options will cost the same as I can get the above used gear setup for the same price as a new pre-95 shaft.

 

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  • howeitsdone changed the title to Transfer Case Input Shaft Swap

Thanks! So only what's in the picture? I keep reading about needing that half of the TC or needle bearing removal, etc... I just want to take mine out and put this one in. Seems it should work

 

Edit:

More specifically, my concern is with the outer ring and the needle bearing looks different.

 

'88 vs '98

image.jpeg.593ad62958ec2f4f0bcd0e303694b4d8.jpeg image.png.3715bd57629b505cff8b1cbff9e9ba6f.png

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Wrong. If you want a later style input shaft in your early style '88 transfer case, you need the late-style input shaft, late-style planetary gearset, AND the late-style ring gear. Failure to do so will cause damage, ask me why I know... I tried just swapping an early type input shaft and planetary set in a late style t-case... It made a loud gear noise; only ran it like 200 miles before taking it appart. I finally swapped the early ring gear in the case, and kinda solved the problem; the short time I drove it has worn the gears a bit, as there is a really faint gear mesh noise left. Swapping the ring gear is a huge PITA and I don't recommend it, as it is pressed in the front case half. You're better off finding a late model front t-case half to go with that late input shaft and planetary to convert your early style 88 case.

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That's what I was beginning to think. I'm hours from civilization so finding another TC is out of the question. Now I know to just fork over for the early style input shaft instead. Thank you - been searching for that kind of answer.

 

The 2-day Googling search can now stop  :type:

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I read through that a million times, but since they want to keep the business there, they don't give actual specs for the shaft itself. I keep seeing early cut bd50-8 wide bearing shafts that are about $30 less, but have no idea if that will fit. Some specify BD50-8 and other just say "Wide".

 

I did call Allstate Gear and they weren't much help when asking the difference between THIS and THIS and whether that difference is the gear cut. Some sites that specify the BD50-8 bearing say it fits an 88 dodge TC. Wouldn't that be early cut?

 

Novak has only one Short, Early, Wide 23 spline shaft. So I get so confused. Clearly I'd buy the one that specifies pre-95, but if I can save the money then I'd go the other route. Can't justify $194 for the Novak shaft. 

 

Lock ring pliers will be in tomorrow. Can't get the ring off the shaft with my snap ring pliers to measure.

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Either wide or narrow bearing shafts will fit on the t-case; you just gotta have the right bearing for it. As for the two from Allstate you mentioned, my bet is the 17860 is the one for you. The other one looks like the rarer, medium lenght shaft (they did a short for manual transmissions, a long for AW4 autos, but I can't remember what transmissions the medium was for) according to the overall stated lenght.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Update:  I measured wrong on my TC and ordered the shaft for a 16mm bearing. I have a 24mm bearing.

 

Can I just swap the 24mm bearing for the 16mm no problem? I've already removed the 24mm.

Sounds like 95+ have the 16mm and the early had 24, but I don't know if the case itself is different.

 

                                            w/ 24mm                                                                                                                                               w/ 16mm

IMG_3727.jpeg.1b43065320f058eba6cacd24f08cb4df.jpeg IMG_3725.jpeg.6430e2606ae4942174a6debdccc73dcf.jpeg

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