I believe the Bravada used a different transfer case that incorporates a center differential. If you were to use a Bravada front axle with a Blazer/Jimmy transfer case you would be in permanent 4wd (even if 2hi is selected), and without the correct transfer case your wheels would slip/skid on sharp turns causing tire wear, eventual drivetrain damage and very heavy steering. Anyone who has tried driving on dry roads in 4hi with the NP236/246 case will know what I mean.

 

Yes, it can be done, but you need to be aware of the consequences. There would be extra wear & tear on the front differential, causing a drag, (more rolling resistance). This will cause a permanent loss in fuel mileage. It wouldn't affect the transfer case: The NV136, (Bravada) is basically a single speed version of the NV236 Auto 4WD.

 

Thanks for the input guys.
Id go with the brevada set up if I could. Broke college student here, so the cheapest fix is the best fix lol.
She only has to last a few more years and then onto whatever toy I want. Anyway thanks again, im sure ill be back to pick yall's brains again.

 

Captain, While you are correct, I have the bravada shaft in 3 of my Z's, and have not seen any noticeable loss in fuel economy. I do however notice more "drag" when turning sharp at low speeds. All my Z's have a 233 transfercase. There is a long discussion on ZR2USA about its use with a 236 transfercase, consensus is it will work fine, but no one wants to try it.

 

There's no reason why the solid axle shaft wouldn't work on an NV233 or NV236 case.


The main reasons for disengaging the right front axle in 2WD are that it eliminates drag from the differential, it eliminates the crow hop that you're noticing, and as a result, increases fuel mileage. The advantage to using the solid axle is as you mentioned: fewer parts, and fewer problems, but it does come at a cost.