Re: Possible 32 spline input shaft GP
I had thoughts years ago about making a custom coupler using automatic trans clutch packs, energizing them somehow (air/hyrdraulic?) so that you could launch AWD then slowly release it down track. Be a rebuildable unit also.
That would be possible with existing hardware.
Run the NV246 behind an 80E (all 32 spline parts, bolts up from the factory). Leave out the low range parts (making it a NV146 which the factory didn't build). NV246 is an "On Demand" box, as mentioned earlier.
The part that is missing is the controls to drive the shift motor on the tcase. If you're looking for 4wd transitioning to 2wd, then you need to apply that big honking clutch, and release it somewhere mid track. The obvious trick would be to get it to release slowly. But, compared to building all new hardware, that should be reasonably easy.
But, the problem is when you put said truck on the street and ask it to act like an AWD truck. I would expect the controls to get alot more complicated. Maybe it could be done simply (maybe off of a TPS and boost?) but I expect getting driveability sorted would be the challenge (so it doesn't try to lock up while doing parking lot manuevers or unlock when it shouldn't).
Since the truck is broke, the practical solution is to fix what you've got in a method that keeps you from having to do it 3 more times in the next 2000 miles (would get old (and expensive) to have to swap trannies every 500 miles).
I don't think I've got any resources to help you with regards to heat treat. We do some here, but most of it is Austempering, which is not applicable to your needs. We do build tools here (typically O1, S7, A2, or some of the powdered metal stuff (like M4). We typically try to get close to size (plus .010" or more depending upon the dimensions and how much we think it'll move), then heat / temper, then finish machine (usually either surface grind, wire EDM, or hard turning, don't do any splines or contour grinding here).
The person doing your heat treating will also have a really big impact on your results. We sent out a 12" sq piece of A2 (1/2" thick) to be hardened (with 125 holes in it), and were amazed that it came back flat within .004". We think they hung it vertically from the holes. Same will apply to your shafting, if they hang / fixture it correctly, it should stay straight. Done wrong and it'll be curved and require alot of material removal to be straight. Might even think about adding material like a lug at the end of the shaft that can be cut off with a hole in it to allow for someplace to hang the shaft for hardening. Certainly something to ask questions about.
'JustDreamin'