Swapping iX automatic transfer case internals into a manual transfer case?

[booker]

I'm collecting materials for a 5 spd swap sometime down the road; obviously finding a good manual transfer case is challenging.
So, on the assumption that I can more quickly and cheaply find a failing manual transfer case, I'm wondering if I can swap the parts from the automatic tc into a manual tc casing?
From discussion on forums and a quick look at realoem, the only difference seems to be the casing itself? Is that right?

[packratbimmer]

Yes - the front case and front shaft. I would use the entire case if possible. I assume the case was through-bored for the shafts at the factory. I have never heard of anyone having a problem throwing a front manual cover onto an automatic rear housing though. Rebuilding a case is pretty easy actually!

[booker]

Great. So, if I find a failing manual case, I can swap in the internals from my automatic tc!

You write "the front case and front shaft." I thought that the auto and the manual used the same front driveshaft?

[audiquattrot]

my tc in my iX now was an auto one, made to work for manual.

[booker]

my tc in my iX now was an auto one, made to work for manual.

When you say "made to work for manual," do you mean that you swapped cases (rebuilt the auto internals into the manual case)?
Or, are there additional steps involved?
Did you do it yourself?

Thanks!

[audiquattrot]

When you say "made to work for manual," do you mean that you swapped cases (rebuilt the auto internals into the manual case)?
Or, are there additional steps involved?
Did you do it yourself?

Thanks!

friend did the work, he disassembled both auto and manual units, and took the best parts from both (vc from auto) and put it back together to make one good unit.

[packratbimmer]

No fear - Get a manual case and do it...

All the support you will need is right here on R3v

[nando]

many of us have done that. I'm running a manual/auto t-case right now.

[booker]

No fear - Get a manual case and do it...

All the support you will need is right here on R3v

Thanks for the support!! I'll need it. I'm not long on experience and confidence beyond the simple maintenance and repair.

The swap won't be coming any time soon, so, I'll wait to get a burnt out manual case at decent price. Since my drive line has only 36,000 miles on it and the car wasn't pushed, the tc should be very healthy.