Wierd fix for AWD Astro problems

My parents called me the other day to tell me they mistakenly stumbled upon a cure for the problem with their Astro problems.

They own a 2001 Astro LT AWD, that had grinding/vibrating/jerking problem in the front end while doing parking lot manuvers. It is common for most of the AWD's later than 1996, as the transfer case is poor.

Now to the solution... They parked it in a tow away zone, but didnt realize it at first, then they noticed a wrecker hooking up to it!! They were in Florida, where AWD Astros arent that common. The wrecker had lifted it by the rear and was towing it with the front wheels on the ground, which should have meant certain disaster for the AWD driveline. Luckily, they got the attention of the wrecker driver and he circled. After that 'tow in a circle', the problems disappeared... :wtf:

they have put 2000 miles on it since then and it hasnt had any of the symptoms return. Its kinda strange.

no the {slip clutch } in the transfer-case is probably shot!!!

I wouldnt doubt that for a second, considering how poor the transfer case is anyway. It was replaced under warranty once. My parents didnt want to get a different vehicle, so they kept the van. I told them they should have gotten something different before they went across the country.

my friends have a 2000 are the transfer cases interchangeable - pre 96 / post 96?