NP246 to 241 swap OBS Chevy, Complete how-to
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2024
- the OBS Suburban had major problems inside the NP246 Autotrac electric shift transfer case, made a ton of noise, and wouldn't drive the front wheels. I could rebuild it, but because I do want to solid axle swap the truck at some point, I'd have to change out the transfer case anyhow, so i figured this would be the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a floor shift transfer case.
I went to a junk yard and bought a NP241C from a 1995 OBS 2500 Suburban, so it already had the correct 32 spline input shaft to work with the 4L80e transmission, and I also got a front driveshaft, floor shifter with trim, wiring harness, and a dash block off plate to get rid of the switches. Overall, this is a very easy swap, and. it went without any hiccups, and when done, it functions exactly like a factory truck would have, and you could never tell the difference.
The steps here can be applied to any truck equipped with an NP246, which includes both 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. The only difference you'll need to look out for, is if your donor tuck had a 27 or 32 spline input (4L60 or 4l80) so you need to match up to your transmission.
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0:00 Road Trip
3:08 Parts Needed
5:37 Tear Down
8:00 246 & 241 Comparison
11:00 241 Installation
12:41 VSS Wiring
13:05 Floor Shifter Mounting
15:47 Actuator Wiring
17:31 Low Range Wiring
20:10 Test Drive 
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I love these OBS Trucks, and cant wait to show you guys what I have in store for it!
1995 Chevy Silverado four wheel stick on the floor. When I bought the thing used, I did the normal parking lot test yesterday to see if the four-wheel high and four-wheel low worked. Yesterday was my first opportunity to put it into four-wheel high it engage then while driving 1000 to 3000 rpm I put the shifter to neutral then put the floor stick to 4 lo it engage properly when I’m trying to put it back on 2h my floor stick stock on NEUTRAL,put the shifter on neutral position (engine running)then tried to manually shift it to 2h or 4h or 2l still not working I’m worried coz every time I forced it gear grinding noise so right now the truck is not moving.what could be my issue? Help pls..trying to figure out by myself before spend money on mechanic.thank you
That's a pretty sweet ride LT. Thanks so much for doing a Suburban project! Pretty nice how easy those are to swap in and out. Happy New Year!
I miss my obs 1995 suburban . I have had 11 different brands and nothing compared to my first vehicle .
Love that you have a you tube channel now. Keep up the great work
Your skills have really taken off man I think if you did something to challenge yourself that was out of the box you could have 10 times as many subscribers this time next year something crazy and attention-grabbing I'm not sure what that is but I can see 10x in your future
I really like this format more than the “high-production” of powernation. More specific detail is great.
thank you!
For sure
i was just thinking that plus no Ads within the content
No high commercials
Real world struggles like the home mechanic without a lift. This is what the everyday DIY guy loves to see, great content LT.👍
Thanks 👍
I did this same swap last year on my garage floor..good thing the 241 is 7 or 8lbs lighter..lol
Definitely a good move to youtube man, you were my favorite from the show, and now more actual wrenching less advertising lol
I did this four years ago on my 2003 Tahoe. Added the 4x4 PosiLok. Works like a dream. The best mod was pulling the 4wheel drive buttons and replaced the hole with the cubby from a 2wheel drive. Although the cubby is pretty pointless, I don't have to look at useless buttons anymore!
I'm in the process of doing this on a 03 tahoe. Could you let me know some info on the wiring?
@rotarykilla26 I did a bunch of digging on the web. At the time there wasn't much out there but I found a few forums that had some info and I pieced it together. Off the top of my head I can't remember. I know I got rid of 10 miles of b.s. wire though. Do your research and you'll figure it out.
Awesome videos man. I cannot bring myself to do ANY projects until I have a lift haha too many years as a concrete pump operator! I’m beat up
I have seen shop quality lifts for 3k not cheap but not what I thought they were worth I thought they cost like 8-10k of course weight handling differences but my point is if u own a home it’s more than possible for you.
I had a 92 model full size blazer I converted to manual shift. I used a GMT800 manual shift with a bell housing spacer and various other parts. It was sweet, I sold it a while back, but that manual shift really changed the performance of the vehicle tremendously
I looked under our 2011 2500 suburban and was amazed how big that transfer case is. It’s huge.
This was super informative, I feel like I'm learning something new every time I watch. Keep up the good content man
Thanks! Will do!
that was incredibly smart to make a template from the junkyard and grab the block off plate for the dash. i would have never thought of that. i would’ve had to make a couple of trips to the junkyard. nice job.
it saved a lot of guess work
That’s a pretty cool swap! That transfer case looked like it was mined out a hill side with that much dirt on it. Lol
yeah, it was pretty nasty
So much better than TV you actually show how everyone else in the world is going to have to do things!
thank you so much!
I first came to your channel to trash talk the 8.1 swap, but now I think what you’re doing with it is awesome. And, I watched this one for the hell of it, wasn’t real interested in a 241 swap, but your videos are really a step beyond most; well put together and tons of detail! Thank you, you do a great job!!!
well I appreciate it! and if you still wanted to trash talk the 8.1, feel free lol... Boat Anchor seems to be the top choice as of late
I miss my ‘98 GMC Sierra Z71, had a lot of great memories in that truck. Seeing you make these OBS Suburban videos makes me wanna find one and make it a daily driver and park my Duramax. Keep up the great work LT!! 🤘🏻
Glad you like them!
I have one
I like the dependability on a manual shift t case, never have to worry about that darn encoder motor and the dreaded service 4x4, but thanks to this video, and a little bit of research I was able to put a manual t case in a 2004 chevy tahoe. Thx again
I love watching you videos! I loved it when you mentioned the "service 4WD" light. Now I know where to start looking. I recently had that problem come up with my 2004 8.1L Burban.
Avoid driving in auto all the time. Just try to remember when 4 wheel drive is not needed to just run in 2 wheel. You have to remember to lock it into 4 high once in a while to keep it working.
@@ShadowOppsRC I don’t drive in auto at all. The times that I have used it it works but from time to time as I’m driving down the highway, the service four-wheel-drive light comes on and it is at that point that I can no longer change from two high to four high.
I have a 92 k1500 suburban. I can't wait to see some strait axle swap content.
me too!
Got a 95 2500 Burb project that I got for a few cases of beer that he's slowly convincing me to build.
Great job! I'm a wiring idiot and this cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I don't mind the nuts and bolts stuff. Thanks for the information.
I have a 99 k2500 suburban with the 454 4l80e combo and I am not a fan of the push button transfer case setup. I am so glad I found this video thank you.
Great to hear!
Awesome job, you made it look so easy you're motivating me to do this to my own
Swapped my 246 to the 241c in an 03 Tahoe. Works like a dream and an easy install!!!
Was the process similar to this?
Thanks for this. I've got a 2000 2500 silverado and I've been wondering about this swap. You answered all my questions and then some. Keep up the good work!
Glad I could help
LT glad your doing some cool projects during this crazy time
thanks! you gotta keep busy to keep your mind off all the craziness thats happening right now
Thanks LT! I'm really looking forward to doing my own swap after I move. Keep the videos coming, I have my notifications on and cant wait! Be safe and be awesome brother!
thanks a bunch!
This guy speaks really well easy to listen to
LT needs a lift. The guy does good work so just imagine what he could pull off with a lift! Great content brother.
He needs a bigger garage as well. Then he can put a lift in and all the other goodies he needs.
@@markbremmer8642 agreed
thanks! and I agree, a lift would be amazing. its on the wish list for sure
The hoodie is 🔥! I love seeing ripping“enthusiast” merch!
its comfy! what can I say
Thank you thank you thank you. My issues are still being worked out the learning today helps me a lot and I am grateful to have found your channel. Will ask my question when I figure out closer what will help get my Suburban back in the game. Once again thank you.
New subscriber. Clicked as soon as I saw the suburban in your video list. But the new 8.1 turbo episode popped up in my suggestions which is what brought me here. Great content.
Thanks for the sub!
Great vids LT.. you've got me wondering if that 8.1 from ugly truck would fit my 99 'burban k2500.. it's factory fully loaded with all accessories from factory, 4x4, leather..the whole shebangs.. any inputs on how to get in the right direction to yank out my 5.7 to an 8.1 like yours?
I was surprised to see your in Utah as well ! I’ve been watching your content for a while. I live in Eagle Mountain. We need more “car culture” in northern Utah county. Keep the content coming ! Thanks.
much appreciated! I'm still new to the area, but haven't seen a whole lot in terms of car stuff locally...
Awesome job both on quality of work and video production....most fellas would have just shot zip screws through the tunnel to mount shifter but you used u nut and bolt . Thanks for the attention to detail on wiring details. Sweet rig also love a sweet obs chevy..
This is why I’m here, to learn how position sensors work, nice diagram, 👍 good job LT, information, I could always use information,
Glad to help
LT, I've been a fan since the first time I saw you do a video for POWERNATION. It was Project White Noise. Incidentally, I'm gonna be helping my buddy follow almost that same build plan.
But I have a '99 K2500 Burb myself, and I have been looking for info for this exact swap! Thank you so much for all of this info, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel!
And as far as a center console, I'm seriously considering one from from an Expedition or F250. They physically fit, and have good cup holders.
thank you! and thats a good thought on the console
@@LawrenceTolman
I just think it's really cool that so far you're doing exactly what I want to with my Burb, excluding the SAS idea. I really look forward to watching this progress!
@@LawrenceTolman
4th post down shows the console I'm talking about installed in a K3500 crew cab.
www.gmt400.com/threads/ok-yall-looking-for-ideas.50319/page-4
Very informative & helpful. I'm glad you are descriptive & detailed in explainging the process & parts involved in the video.
I just bought a 99 suburban, so glad mine came spec’d from the factory with the 241. Planning on solid axle swapping it and like you said I’d have to change it anyways so I’m a happy camper
Right on!
I looked up how to make this swap on youtube and your video was the 1st. one that I watched. it was very informative and will help me when I make the swap on my 1997 Sierra. I do not like the idea of having the electronic shift, I want a manual shifter.... Thanx for the your video.
Glad it was helpful!
Whats up LT!? Long time fan here, and long time fans enjoy your channel!!
hey thanks so much!
I have a 99 Yukon, 40s on 24s, bulletproofed the IFS as much as I possibly can, And didn’t do a solid axle swap because everyone said to go from the auto trac transfer case to the 241 was a pain in the ass. Now I’m gonna go kick some ass of everyone who said that. Thank you for this video, you are the man. I think my Yukon is going to get a solid axle swap now.
sure thing! the swap is pretty straightforward
Loving the channel. Always enjoyed watching you on truck tech. Keep it up 👍🏻
hey, thanks so much! and thanks for the subscription
That weld job on the linkage was sneaky good!
That is so sweet, I've been wanting to do this to my 97 1500 Suburban, because I planned on SAS later.
Just finnished this swap in my 98 tahoe did everything just like you said and it's working great, thanks for the video dude super helpful 🤙🤙
Glad it helped
Another excellent video LT. Always learn something from your vids.
Glad to hear it
Couldn't tell if it was your first or fifth time doing this! Slick video. Also its good to know that if the light for 4X4 doesn't come on that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't working..
This was a great video to watch you have given me the idea to do this with my 98 Chevy k2500 which has a push button 4-wheel drive switch I am looking to convert it over to a manual shift lever on the floor like you have done 99 Suburban
Awesome work! I have a 2003 Suburban I am loving to work on. Great Channel
Awesome! Thank you!
Those barn door style rear access doors on the burb are sweet
Nice job, well explained and love that you are like me…can’t stand looking at hacked jobs, it should look like OEM. Beautiful!
Another great video man, the quality is amazing, keep up the great work!
Thanks! Will do!
Very nice and detailed, and the way you explain is flawless
Thank you very much!
Digging the Chanel! I have a OBS 90 K1500 5speed pick up, just a little tip for you, you may want to upgrade the front thermo-actuator to a manual cable style to engage and disengage the front 4 wheel drive. I say this because I’m pretty sure you have the same style electric actuators I mine has, they have a bad habit of being sluggish to engage, failing to engage or failing once engaged preventing it from coming out of 4wheel, I’ve had these issues myself with several front actuators in mine, twice it happened while Stuck, once in snow once in mud. I just got the kit to change it over to manual from LMC not long ago.
The 4 wheel drive connector at the Actuator is the power wire for the shifter indicator light when it get ground signal from the transfer case, it sends power to the light. This is why when the lights stop working, the first thing to check is the Actuator motor on the diff. I have a 1998 pickup and a 1992 Suburban and i owned a GMC 1989 k2500 new that year. I have always liked that body style. Very easy to work on when you stick with a make and model. I have replaced every GM part on my 1998 with original GM parts that are still available and it probably will last me a life time. I have been and still am driving the 1992. It has the consel and buckets that you are looking for, but i was planning on putting them in my 1998 because they are in mint shape, they have always been covered and no rips or stains and they are light grey light the 1998 interior.
This video just saved me 2500 bucks thanks for giving such clear instructions
that's good to hear!
The description is super helpful. Thank you.
Man those wheels look sweet, I just put a set on my 77 👍👌
they are my fav 16" wheel
Loving this build I like how the swap looks like factory and your so close to 20k
were almost there, and growing every day!
Awesome content and very informative. I’m really enjoying this build.
Glad to hear it! thanks for watching
You can run thr full length escalade console with the floor shift. I know you've sold this truck, but you could swap the shifter and bezel with one from a gmt800 truck, and trim the bezel to meet up with the console. I've had mine this way for years and love it!
Man that was awesome! I have the push button 4WD and had always thought about converting.
Oh, and I think you can run the Denali/Escalade console. It looks like it should fit. If anything, some small trims may be necessary. Looking forward to seeing how you do this.
Great video Sir!
That would be cool! thanks for subscribing!
Awesome
Can't wait for the next upload awesome content
Very soon!
You are killing me grinding toward the body sparks imbed in paint and glass LOL but i like the videos keep them coming
I know, I gotta move my work bench further away
very well done video! going to try the same conversion on my 02 half ton because I have 4.56 gears and the 246 front drive shaft spinning all time is making a ton of parasitic drag!
yeah, I never liked how they had the front shaft spinning all the time
Ran into the se problem with the transfer case in a gmt800 suburban I was pulling the drivetrain out of for my ls swap sonoma project, we pulled the trans forward to clear it since we were pulling it all
kind of a pain in the ass that they designed it that way TBH
Excellent information and much needed. Nice detail. I am going to try this on a 2004 Yukon XL AWD to NP241. Thanks.
Did you ever complete the swap? I’m planning the exact same swap on my Yukon Denali do awd too
I think you will have 300,000 subscribers before long. Keep up the good work.
Hope so!
LT, be on the lookout for a gmt400 np241 with the flanged front output. You have to swap out the output shaft too, but then you’ll be able to bolt up a cv driveshaft that your gonna need for that SAS.
also read a 208 flange will work, but with the short front output shaft I already have
Thanks for doing this! Swapping from bw4481 to np261
Interesting swap. I love my 246 in my 99 silverado
they are a good case, its just when mine failed, it wasnt logical to replace it with the solid axle swap plan
good one. i didn't know about the low range input for the ecu. That 241 swap is one i have contemplated. Those 246 cases are spendy n hard to find. Your patient. I'd still be cussing about having to move the torsion bar crossmember🤣
I'm doing the 241GM swap into a 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada and the only differences I've found so far is the case difference, AWD to manual shift,and the front driveshaft slip yoke. And the Bravada doesn't have the front axle disconnect. After the swap is finished I'll focus on the electrical.
Awesome video you just saved me all kinds of trouble dude
This was very interesting - primarily the wiring interface. I have a similar but unique issue on a 1997 GMC Yukon (1500). It is my vehicle towed behind my motorhome 4 wheels down. I have the NP243 transfer case and NO NEUTRAL. I found a guy in NY (TransferCaseGeorge) who removes 4wd-LOW and replaces the gearing with a non-functional NEUTRAL. Thus, I have neutral for towing but no 4wd-low anymore. Another issue is that the front axle locks in when shifting to 4wd-low and the full drive is turning when towing - not ideal! I have begun looking into a swap with a NP261LD manual TC which would have a NEUTRAL and use the same early 90's floor shifter - all matched with my 4l60e trans. I would have a separate switch and indicator light for the front axle to keep it disengaged when towing if that even happens with the wiring harness changes?! I think following your procedure, the installation/swap would be nearly identical. I will look forward to how you get the 4WD icon lights to illuminate in the floor console! NICE JOB!
love all the wiring info.
Glad to hear it!
This is great, thank you. I will be doing this to my 2001 1500HD
Great Video! Very informative!
I like it,I have a 2001 burben I going to try and get this done,,at the time it doesn't go into 4x4 Low the light just blincks
Great Video! You should be an instructor - very clear explanations. Thank You! Liked-Subscribed-Notified. I give you props for doing this without a vehicle hoist, too. I have a 2010 Chevy Silverado with a 6 speed 6L80 Trans and a NQH (Magna) Transfer Case that is giving me problems. I would love to convert it to a Handle/Cable drive. Or just get it working like it should.....
I had all kinds of issues with mine on my 99 Escalade. Sucked cuz it was a sweet ride 3" lift had the later Escalade rims on 32" all terrains and full exhaust loved that thing but had so many 4x4 and ac/heater issues
So, if you have a good 246 and want to run a solid axle there is slip yoke eliminator for the front output that slides into the output and is held in place by tack welds, I had to weld mine completely due to the tack breaking, yes you can still service the seals with the shaft welded in. Tahoverlanding can help with that.
You can run a full length console. You just have to build an offset shift arm and cut the console carefully to fit over the housing.
To make your 4x4 light illuminate just run a switched 12v power wire to the light and run the ground wire to the same wire that activates the 4x4 actuator or if you don’t want it to actually light up until the front diff engages then I believe one of the wires on the front actuator grounds when it full locks in ( if that makes sense) I’d have to look at the diagram.
yeah, thats the wire I'd want, the one that sends the signal when its all locked in place. I'm sure the wire is there going to the TCCM by the steering column, just need to find a print to see which wire it is
@@LawrenceTolman This video was a Godsend for my ‘98 K2500, 7.4L. I collected my components and rebuilt my 241 three years ago but didn’t find the time to make the swap until this month. Everything I found online was geared toward a SAS, not a basically stock but more reliable, less complicated system. I’m glad I searched one last time and found your video. When I did the swap the wiring and bulb sockets for the shifter lighting were taped to the floorboard, all I had to do was put bulbs in. Also worth noting for folks like me who don’t have a template, the factory left us small pilot indentions to drill thru for the shifter mounting.
I’ll be staying tuned for more GMT400 stuff.
Thanks again for providing the missing links!
Cool, ive been contemplating this same conversion but was wondering about the low range signal. Im planning on putting super duty axles under my 01 suburban.
Lol that would've been a good time to remove the carpet and have it pressure washed/cleaned and then reinstall while you installed the floor shifter.. JS awesome work as usual!
good point! but I figured I would do that when I do the front seat swap, and a few future plans I have for the truck...
Thanks for the video LT! Did not realize you were here. Loved watching truck tech. I have an 88 k 1500 that I had to replace the front axle seals. After putting the long tube (with the actuator) back in, I tried testing the four-wheel drive with it up on jack stands. When I put it in four-wheel drive,.the wheels were turning but it started making a grinding noise so I stopped and took it out of four-wheel drive but now the front is seized up and won't even move. Any ideas?
I saved this video to my favorites to do the same swap in my tahoe
I did this on my 03 Hoe..you're gonna love the end results. I struggled with the wiring for the front diff actuator..installed the 4×4 Posi-Loc cable..imo..that's the way to go👍👍
@LT are there available IFS differentials which have limited slip? If so do any them have the lock in/lock out actuators? or Have full time from drive like the AWD diffs?
I would like to be able to have AWD for an S series Blazer, but I like the 4 wheel low feature, especially for icy snow covered roads.
I have owned a 4x4, but I am still new to actually understanding about transfer cases and front drive differentials. I have learned a lot thus far from watching your videos! I really enjoy your videos, you really take time to explain things, just as if your viewers were right there with you.
-,Rob in Tennessee
Thanks LT ! Great content . I have a 1999 K3500 crew.
Good choice! I wanna find a short box crew cab some day
Cool video.. can you do one on the cruise control and a possible sourse for parts. The cc modules are difficult to find.
For the 4wd light you can run 12v to the light and run ground to the same wire you used for the 4wd actuator. I would diode isolate it. But, when you pull it into 4wd it will turn on the light.
not a bad idea!
Awesome videos buddy. Do you know if the wire to the computer off the t case is the same on a np261?
L T knows his stuff
Thank you for the video. Well done!
Glad you liked it!
Great details, great projects
Thank you! Cheers!
Awesome video as always 👍
Thanks for the subscription and for watching!
With the manual transfer case you might want to check the last snap ring in the output housing, many times it's in two pieces.
good suggestion, I'll have to check it out
@@LawrenceTolman yeah, I suggest that to everybody who has not upgraded the snap ring. I learned the expensive way when my transfer case blew to pieces and cracked the transmission case on my -94 burb.
Great video. We swapped the 246 to 241 in my dad's 99 Tahoe based on this video. Only problem we are having now is it pumps oil out the breather hose.....almost ran it dry. Any thoughts on what could cause this? We took apart another 241 we have and there are no baffles protecting the breather.
You should find the true lock setup that gets rid of the axle actuator! I could not keep actuators to last long and the true lock is a cable setup that locks the axle in. I have a 93 k3500 and that actuator was enough to piss you off with the issues I had. Plus, you turn the rig off and the actuator unlocks the axle. I also had wiring harness issues for the actuator and transfer case though.
I really thought about doing the 4x4 lock deal, but I'm seriously considering doing a solid axle swap so I didnt want to spend the money if the front diff was coming out in the future.
@@LawrenceTolman good point. My dad found mine in a truck at a wrecking yard and paid 20 bucks for it but I am not swapping axles like you.
Great video. I have a NP241C in my truck. For the 4WD Low signal, I have made PIN A as ground | PIN as Signal wire for 4WD. I would like to use PIN C as the sending unit for a 4WD dash light. The light has 2 wires; (Fused) and non-fused. QUESTION: Do I need to ground the second wire (non-fused) or just tape off since the switch / sensor is already grounded?
That headliner needs to be next on the list lol
it does. I stapled the front just to keep it out of my eyesight
Would you have information for doing a floor shift swap on a 2007 Sierra 1500 with the updated body style? I’ve had a hard time finding information and also prefer the floor shift. 4L60e trans.
By the way I really liked your video on the ring, pinion and diff swap on the 8.6. Helped me out a bunch.