Np208c synchronizer

[chincha805]

i recently bought a NP208C transfer case, i i took it apart to check, replace seals, chain, etc, and noticed that the previous owner had removed the brass synchronizer ring, the two snap rings and the the 3 synchronizer keys. my assumption for them doing that is they converted manual hubs, and to eliminate shift on the fly. am i right or is that setup incorrect. i have the t/case apart and ready to assemble , but before i do , i need to know why this was done.