5-speed to 6-speed swap in a '97 4x4: can it be done?

[Andy Perreault]

Are the transfer case bolt patterns and spline counts the same for all 2nd generation trucks? I'm wondering, if I got my hands on a 6-speed transmission, would my '97 HD transfer case bolt up to it? The reason for not wanting a newer transfer case is because the newer ones don't have a speedometer drive gear. Or, here's another possibility: are the tailshaft housings and internals the same on a newer transfer case from a 6-speed application as on a '97? If so, I could get a 6-speed + transfer case, and then swap tailshaft housings on the back of the transfer case, so I would have the '97 speedometer drive gear.

I know I would have to do a little work on the crossmember, but other than that, as far as I know, the swap should be fairly straight forward.

Has anyone done this swap? I've seen it done on a '98 (which is a direct bolt-in, because the crossmembers were made for both 5 and 6-speeds, and the speedometer drive is at the rear axle), but not on a pre-98.

Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks, Andy

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Andy,



Call this # and ask for Don he will be able to answer your question.



1-888-236-4800



Peter

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Andy,

I did the swap on a '98 so may not be of much assitance. The HD transfer case has the same size input shaft as the standard duty but has a larger output shaft, yours should bolt up just fine. I used the slip yoke from a HD driveshaft and had my OEM driveshaft shortened. You are correct regarding the cross member difference and I would guess that you will have to get a longer speedometer cable.

Larry