Which is a better or more durable AWD transfer case?
 

Quick question, what is a "better" or more durable AWD transfer case? The ones out of the older SS trucks or the newer ones behind the 6l80s like the Escalades and Denali's? Reason I ask is because I got my hands on a DIRT CHEAP 01 ext cab silverado from a family member with a junk 4l60. Swapping to a 4l80 on it and going to convert it to AWD to make a nice fun street cruiser. Being I'm going with a 4l80 would be easier to just throw on a 6l80 AWD transfer case since its basically ready to bolt on? Is there really any difference in the to TC's? Just was curious which transfer case was more durable since more then likely Ill throw in this spare 6.2 and 76mm I have in there as well.

I believe the newer 6 speed AWD transfer case is actually an open diff that requires the computer to apply the brakes to the wheels that are slipping to divert power to the other wheels...so since you don't have that computer in your 2001, I think you should get the 149 and convert the input gear to fit the 80E output.

Ok cool didn't know that. Fig it was the same style viscus type transfer case. Thanks

I have the 149. It has done exceptionally well. I have had it gone through once and the shop said they really didn't need to change the clutches, but I asked them to do it anyways with my new build. With 75k miles on it and I have been beating on it since 25k on the truck and the clutches still looked good.

I didn't think the new AWD t-cases had a Viscus coupler any more? I would be curious to know.

They dont. Mike is Correct. For that reason the 149 is by the far strongest to the best of my knowledge. Now, a 4x4 transfer case out of a 2500 is also very strong.

Hell the 1500 manual tcase is a beast...I haven't had an problems with it, easy to turn off 4wd too if you just want a burnout queen.

Some 1500 and 2500 trucks come with the same cases. The only difference being the input gear either being 27 or 32 spline. You can just replace that gear during a rebuild on a lot of them to make them work with an 80E conversion.

Basically all of them put up with a stupid amount of abuse. They are so overkill its ridiculous.

so I can abuse the 246 t case thats already behind my 4l80e?

My 246 is starting to feel pretty sketchy. I've heard they have some problems with the clutches burning up. The only issue I've heard of with the 149 is some people have chain stretching and skipping issues. A new chain is fairly cheap though.