I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

So it's like this..
I have a 1979 gmc k2500 that I'm trying to do a conversion on the drivetrain.
It has a Th400 with a 203 in it. I'm trying to change it with a 700r4 and a np241c . I have bought both already and here is the problem I have now.
It took me forever to find a 241c passenger side drop out here but I did.
Problem is that it's VSS.. How can I make it a mechanical speedo ?
Please help me figure out this problem.
Thank you in advance

Do you think if I could find a busted 241c and replaced the speedo gears and shaft sleeve it would work? If so, would it matter if it came from a driver or passenger side drop case?

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Oh, one more question.
If I go to a digital dash like Dakota gauge set up.
Will my tcase wire right to it or do I need PCM or anything?

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I would ask Dakota digital because that t case was stock in the 90-91 k5 and suburban.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Might as well throw the baby out with the bathwater and toss a LS in it and keep the VSS t-case and get a 90-91 cluster. Just kidding.

The Tone ring that the VSS sensor reads off of slides off the shaft just like the Speedo gear does. What I'm not sure about is if the housing is the same between VSS and Speedo gear versions. I don't think they are, but I can't confirm by looking at the GM parts catalog since it shows the VSS version for 1989 (which is wrong).

Dakota Digital should be able to tell you if the stock VSS tone ring is compatible with their sensor.

A different option would be to see if anybody that is swapping a LS engine and needs the VSS t-case might be willing to trade.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I don't believe the housing is the same either but I'm not sure.
From looking at photos it looks like the same bolt pattern.
I thought if I could find one and try it or if someone else already has I'd know for sure. I was already planning on contacting Dakota but was waiting till Monday when there open. It's hard for me to swap anyone because I'm way out here in Canada and shipping will kill me hahahaha.
Thank you for trying to help me guys :)

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Im not 100% sure, but most likely you can swap the tailhousing off of an '88-90 tcase and run the gear vs the VSS tone ring. the output shaft is most likely the same between the two cases. Or just round up an 88-90 tcase from a blazer or burb.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Thanks wildwilly4x4,
That is exactly what I'm trying to figure out is if I can swap them.
I was hoping someone might know for sure.
I can't find one or even parts for a 88-90 out here.
I thought if I find out they can be swaped then I would try to find the tailhousing and gears here on the forums.
I don't think it would cost me much in shipping then.
It would be so much easier if I could see the two side by side :(

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

you've got the hard to find one! The LS swap guys running a 4l60e need your style. I'd hang on to the VSS stuff in case you ever plan to go LS with a 60e. Otherwise any cable speedo case is easy to run with an 80e when going LS.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

you are sitting on a nice find with the vss and wasting it by converting back. Sell it and grab a different t-case. The sale on that t-case could potentially fund your whole conversion project.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

You can use a Cable x converter and keep both your mechanical speedo and vss . I have used one for years.

http://www.abbott-tach.com/cablex.htm

Quite simple to set up.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I'm not sure why the one I have is such a good find.
I was told it was only available in 90-91 but I was told the one I want is only available in 88-89.. I don't know if that's true. If I'm wrong please correct me.
Either way I'm totally taking your advice.

Bilfman,
I can not thank you enough :)
I didn't know something like that even existed!!
I going research the part you sent me the link for.
I hope it doesn't break the bank lol
Thanks again!
If it works I don't need to hack up a perfectly good t-case!!

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Well unless I can find a used one that cable x is out :(
That is too pricey for this guy. Cost more than a transfer case.
I'll keep looking for now though.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Have you talked to Dakota digital yet ?You wanted to change gauges so they might be your best option.Yeah you could swap tail housing from one with a speedo gear but i think those are like 1 or 2 year only.Or last ditch get a np208 they was used behide the 700r4 81-87 in all half ton trucks and they was speedo gear.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I haven't talked to them yet but I know it won't work for me :(
I bought the Dakota gauges 2nd hand about a year ago.
I never got around to installing them because in doing my research I found out they are imperial only and can't be switched to metric.
Since then I have MSD'd the snot out of my truck. When I look at Dakota gauges you need to use there sensors. The MSD Atomic needs to use it's own as well.
IE: temp, oil pressure, volts exe
I should just sell the gauges on the forums.
I am trying very hard to find the tail housing and do a swap.
Not sure why but it's just not around out here.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Why not use the factory gauges from 90-91 or whatever years used the vss ?

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

A long shot but email https://transmissioncenter.net/home/ and ask them about your problem.See if they have a idea of a easy way to change it over to a speedo cable.I have read about dodges with the np241 they just unscrewed the vss and screwed in the speedo drive.I have no clue if that will work on a gm t case or not.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I will send an email.
Thank you for trying to help me :)

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Or say screw it and run aftermarket gauges that use gps for the speedo that might be the last last option.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

I would wait on that and find a different transfer case. Why must you have one from an 88 or 89?

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Well I'm stuck with trying to find one out of 88 or 89 because I want to run a np241c with a passenger side drop which is what I have but I need one with a mechanical speedo. They were only produced for those two years :(
I would really like to be able to run my stock gauges as well.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

you don't need a complete transfer case. the speedometer housings will interchange between VSS and the mechanical speedometer. I might have an extra laying around. I would have to look if you are interested.

Re: I could really use some transfer case help please.
 

Thank you so much 72 Copper C-10 but I just bought a housing off of ebay.
Cost me a small fortune but I believe it's what I needed :)