bw4472

umbarth1

New member
hey i was just wondering how much this transfer case can handle? i am in the process or finding a bw4472 to drop into a 500hp 350 with a 700r4
my question is will it hold up? thanks
 

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: bw4472

umbarth1 said:
hey i was just wondering how much this transfer case can handle? i am in the process or finding a bw4472 to drop into a 500hp 350 with a 700r4
my question is will it hold up? thanks

The 4472 Transfer Case will holdup to anything that has a 700R4 attached to it (meaning a built 700R4 is weaker than the transfer case). The fastest AWD Syclone (well over 1000hp, 9.0@150+mph) uses a modified SyTy Transfer case, though I understand they have had problems breaking them.
 

umbarth1

New member
Re: bw4472

now the question is where can i find one? what years and vehicles did they come in and how do i identify it
thanks
 

sy1907

SYCOTIC
Re: bw4472

These transfer cases came out of a 91-93 bravada i believe. Also, a 91-95 astro van. You must be careful in that there are two sizes of output shafts on these cases. The 91 bravada and 91-95 have the smaller output shaft and the 92-93 bravada have the larger one. I'm sure someone will correct me, but atleast you're on the right path. To identify, just look at the little blue tag that is one the transfer case housing itself. It will say 4472 HTH's
 

umbarth1

New member
Re: bw4472

is there anything else that these things came in? im from winnipeg lol and i havent seen one around
 

'JustDreamin'

Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: bw4472

The BW 4472 were only available in the following vehicles (as far as I'm aware):

AWD Astro & AWD Safari. All AWD model years up to and including 1997 (I think). Starting in 1998 they use the NV136 electric clutch unit.

Olds Bravada. All model years up to and including 1996. Starting in 1997 they use the NV136.

GMC Syclone & Typhoon. All years.

There was an option on the Blazer and Jimmy for the AWD system in select years. I've never seen one of these trucks, so its fairly unlikely you'll stumble across one by accident, but figured I'd mention them.


As mentioned above, the rear output shaft spline count and front output shaft flange diameter vary with model years & application. Not a big deal, unless you're trying to replace an existing unit.

And as also mentioned above, it should take just about anything that a 700R4 will live with. That is really the limiting factor. AWD is incredibly hard on transmissions. At 500hp, you have 3 basic options.
1.) A very well built 700R4. Rossler or another good builder off of here is your best bet. Don't listen to all the advertisments that say "our 700R4 is good for 800+hp". You'll bust it, even with "only" 500hp, because there won't be any tire spin to act as the weakest link and save the tranny from destruction.
2.) A well built TH350 or TH400 with the appropriate adapter. You shouldn't break it, but it'll only have 3 gears too. This is probably the least expensive and fastest option.
3.) Go for the 4L80E. Essentially a TH400 with a .75 overdrive. Expensive to do, but will give you TH400 durability with 4 gears for streetability.

Ultimately, its your decision. Search on here, there is lots of discussion about transmissions.


And check out car-part.com for leads on BW4472's.

'JustDreamin'
 

Danny350

New member
Re: bw4472

Is the smaller output shaft version much weaker than the bigger one, or are they both fine to use?
 

sy1907

SYCOTIC
Re: bw4472

Both sizes are fine to use, they will stand up to a lot of abuse as said b4. As for where to find one, search local junkyards, online, or post in the wtb section.
 

'JustDreamin'

Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: bw4472

umbarth1 said:
i wonder if i could find a new one somewhere??
Not new, but they are available rebuilt. Figure on spending $800 to $1000 for a rebuilt one. And there may be a core charge that goes with it (will vary depending upon vendor) of $100 to $500.....

They're readily available in junkyards.....Figure on spending $200 to $400, depending upon junkyard and what kind of deal you can score.

To any of those, you'll need to add shipping, which on a 70lb transfer case will not be an insignificant amount of money.

'JustDreamin'
 

umbarth1

New member
Re: bw4472

yah does anyone know where i can find one in canada? i havent seen any bravadas, typhoons or syclones here
im in winnipeg manitoba
 

'JustDreamin'

Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: bw4472

Um....No.....I think you're gonna have to take the ball here and run with it.....

My suggestion is: try searching online.

If you're looking for used parts, check out Car-Part.com. I'm sure somebody'd be happy to ship you one if there's nobody local.

If you're looking for a rebuilt t-case, again start searching the web. There are lots of shops offering rebuilt units, and I'm sure any of them would be happy to ship it to you (for a maybe not so small fee).

'JustDreamin'
 

'JustDreamin'

Dream: 6LV8 Turbo Bravada
Re: bw4472

That's what, about $7.50 US??? Sorry, just had to pull your chain.

Seriously, the salvage yards in Car-Part.com have them listed from about $200 US to about $900 US.

I've seen rebuilt ones listed for $900 US (plus core charge, which probably brings the total above $1k)

I personally wouldn't pay anywhere above $300 for a good used one. The problem is most any unit you pick up probably needs a chain, as insurance (they stretch, not a matter of if it stretches, just how far has it gone). And there is not a good test for the viscous coupling, so you're taking a risk on whatever you buy unless its been rebuilt / has a warranty.

It shouldn't be a big deal to ship one of these (even from the US to Canada, eh). They're bulky, but they're not that heavy (like 70 lbs or so).

'JustDreamin'
 

sparkwire

Donating Member
Re: bw4472

umbarth1 said:
yah does anyone know where i can find one in canada? i havent seen any bravadas, typhoons or syclones here
im in winnipeg manitoba
HI, I've got 2 both have 27 spline output shaft both were gone thru by trans shop, new seals in one ,new bearings, seals and tailshaft housing in the other, i will sell one. I have $450 in each one, i have no idea what it would cost to ship to you,I bought one from the west coast, cost $95 to ship to 44212, in ohio, iI was told there is no way of checking the viscous coupling without driving the vehicle?? E mail me if interested, rdedgell@msn.com, THANKS
 

umbarth1

New member
Re: bw4472

yah still looking
need something that will hold up initially to 500hp and then about 800hp on either nitrous or blown or turboed
 

JSM

Active member
Re: bw4472

I have a NVG149 for sale.

Factory rated higher than the BW but some will debate. Is a different adaptor bolt pattern, but the adaptor is factory piece.

$425 + shipping.
 
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