Need front driveshaft and TC motor for '05 2500 Burb

I purchased a 2005 Suburban 2500 6.0 4x4 which came with the FRONT driveshaft and transfer case motor removed. It has a push button actuated NP 246 transfer case.

What is best option for replacement?

Junkyard - does the driveshaft and transfer case motor have to be from a 2500, or will any 2001-2006 half ton work?

New/Reman - pricey, which brands are best, where to buy? Rockauto, Amazon?

@OR VietVet, @Fless

It is really up to you. I would stick with 3/4 ton parts because putting in 1/2 ton parts may bite you later. There are many choices depending on length and RPO code options.

If you look at RA, you can see many options and you can compare the differences between 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton.

If you plan to keep the vehicle, buy new/reman/rebuilt. If you are just trying to cheap it, buy used.

Big question: Why was the front driveshaft and transfer case motor removed?

I would go to www.gmpartsdirect.com and enter your VIN. Then look for Parts. There are two transfer case motors depending on your RPO code and TC. Here's an example of what I saw using Make-Model-Engine:




Here's a pic from Rock Auto; note that the motor socket is key-splined, as your 246 case's shaft should be. This is similar to the 2003-2006 SUVs but as noted below, part numbers are different. I have no idea if they would be compatible. I believe the older SUVs (2000-2002) have a socket with two flats instead of the splines.



If you compare some of the transfer case motor part numbers on Rock Auto, there are differences between the 2500 and the SUV motors, so I would stay away from the SUV ones.

Please excuse the huge pics; I'm still learning some of the tools in Linux Mint.