73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks > 4 Wheel Drives

1980 4wd light indicator switch

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Spikemike:
Hi, yes, I think my best option is unfortunately the more expensive one.  The old switch which I have still looks in good shape on the outside, but something internally has gone as there is no continuity in the circuit.  I think the steel plunger at the end which engages the switch may be the issue.  I connected the camaro switch to test and it works great, but that switch fix must be for an older transfer case different from my Dads 1980 Scottsdale.  This truck has the heavy duty suspension package with the 350 4 bbl carb so I believe possibly it is designated a K20? Not sure if that made a difference in the type of transmission and transfer case in it?  I'm just sort of learning as I go because my Dad knew all about that and unfortunately isn't able to tell me anymore.  Thanks to all for your suggestions and directing me to a spot which sells the proper replacements!

JohnnyPopper:
Curious about the spring on the end of the one pictured- does it come off?

The part/pic Mike provided doesn't look long enough to support the spring.

Is the build sheet in your glove box still there? Blue and white with a bunch of data on the build. It has a name I can't recall atm.

It will say what xfer case it came with, assuming there were options.

Finally, the number of lug nuts will indicate if it's 1/2 ton (6) or heavier duty (8).

Long shot- you could plunge the shaft rapidly while spraying brake cleaner into the opening. Do both positions with the shaft on top then inverted. Could just be gunked up.

Spikemike:
Hi, sorry for the late reply... yes the spring slips off.  Apparently the spring is necessary to create the necessary tension inside the transfer where the lever engages?  I did try cleaning it but the brake cleaner sounds like a good idea to try.  The build sheet in the glove box has the code MX1 which when looked up shows, " Transmission Automatic (Merchandising option) ".  So that doesn't seem to clearly identify the specific model of transmission and transfer case but it must be either a TH350 of TH400 I assume and also must assume it has the NP205 transfer case.  I checked out all the other Codes on the sticker and know that it is a Canadian built in Oshawa K20 3/4 ton and my Dad must have ordered a few options like heavy duty front springs and heavy duty power brakes.  We used to ship pigs to market with it on our farm and the snow from the Lake Huron lake-effect flurries used to get alot deeper back then, thus the need for heavy duty 4wd.  For sure now I understand the camaro switch would have worked on an earlier gm truck with different transfer case but not this one.  My goof as I should have looked into it a little more before ordering.  I proceeded to try and order the repro switch from Lectric Ltd. which Mike had suggested but the company that supplied Lectric Ltd. these switches has gone out of business and no one has stock anymore.  My last step involved searching Ebay and I found a fellow in Kansas selling used ones and have ordered his last one for $80 US .  It is guaranteed to work and has been tested so I hope it will function well.  It seems this may be the only way to get one anymore.  I will update once I receive it and install.  Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice!

JohnnyPopper:
That's much less than 200.00! Good score!

While there are a ton of aftermarket part, I fear little things like this will continue to diminish in availability.

There is a fellow SB lover on this site that has grown her collection to 7! Da noyve! 8)

Spikemike:
Update:  The switch I received from ebay seller was very similar to the original for the chevy transfer case but when I installed it , the switch open position was reversed from the original.  The seller let me know that this switch was out of a dodge truck similar era and that should work fine for the transfer case but we discovered it didn't.  The seller was great and gave me money back after I shipped it back.  I guess long story short is that I will need to find a working switch from an old transfer case or wait until and aftermarket company decides it might be worth reproducing one.  In the meantime I will have to check with wreckers and old-timers who might have one laying around yet or if anyone out there reading this knows of one for sale please let me know. :)

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