transfer case options

[68 TT]

My 78 K20 currently runs an SM465 and an NP205 with 5.13 gears.

My knees are shot and I need to convert it to an automatic. I have been looking for a T-400 NP205 setup for the last year with no luck. I am on a pretty tight budget so buying a new adapter and input shaft for my NP205 and doing the machine work to the case to convert it is not likely to happen.

I would like to run a T-400. What are my transfer case options?

I am new to the 4x4 arena. I know the NP205 is very tough. How do the NP241C and NP208C compare? I know they have aluminum cases but I don't know how strong they are as far as power handling ability or how they compare to each other. I assume the T-400 versions only came in the 3/4-ton and 1-tons.

Are there any other newer transfer cases that were available with passenger side drop?

Any input would be appreciated.

[csa daddy]

i got a np205 with a figure 8 bolt pattern with a 27 spline input i will let go you could put it behind a 350 turbo or a 700r4

[CG]

I think Wes ClassicHearbeat on the board has a turbo 400 np205 set up for sale.

My thoughts were this was the way to go for strength. But I was talking with Mark Livrat about it and he's run the turbo 350 np205 set up in his big block 4x4 for many years with no problems.

[shilo]

i ran a 454, turbo 400 and 208 with 44" tires and never had a problem. t-400s and 208s are alot cheaper than a 400/205 combo

[ghettoluxury]

I have never had a problem out of a 208. If you do run a 208 you get lower gear ratio, 2.6:1 rather than the 1.96:1 that the 205 has.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by ghettoluxury

I have never had a problem out of a 208. If you do run a 208 you get lower gear ratio, 2.6:1 rather than the 1.96:1 that the 205 has.

That is good to know, thanks.

What year range will I find an NP208 with passenger side drop?

Once I get the transfer case situation figured out and get all the automatic conversion parts I will put in the T-400 and all the matching parts to get the truck back on the road.

I have most of the parts I need to do a TBI conversion and also have a 4L80E that will go in as part of that swap but I need to get the automatic conversion done first so it is not so painful to drive the truck.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by CG

I think Wes ClassicHearbeat on the board has a turbo 400 np205 set up for sale.

My thoughts were this was the way to go for strength. But I was talking with Mark Livrat about it and he's run the turbo 350 np205 set up in his big block 4x4 for many years with no problems.

I don't have any problems with a T-350 I just already have a 4L80E that will go into the truck down the road and need the T-400 spline TC to make it work.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by csa daddy

i got a np205 with a figure 8 bolt pattern with a 27 spline input i will let go you could put it behind a 350 turbo or a 700r4

Thanks for the offer but with my plans to install the 4L80E I already own your 27-spline case puts me in no better situation than the 10-spline case I have in the truck now.

Both have the small 80mm input bearing and would require complete tear down of the TC, machine work to enlarge the bearing area to 90mm and a new T-400 input shaft & bearing kit. Not really in my budget at this point in time.

[olblue60@aol.com]

I put a built up 700r4. You are kinda getting a rebate on the price everytime you stop for gas. The ratio is about .7 to 1 instead of a 1 to 1 ratio with the 350 or 400. I believe that in about 10,000 miles, it will pay for itself. Plus 1st gear is lower than either of the other trans as well.

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by olblue60@aol.com

I put a built up 700r4. You are kinda getting a rebate on the price everytime you stop for gas. The ratio is about .7 to 1 instead of a 1 to 1 ratio with the 350 or 400. I believe that in about 10,000 miles, it will pay for itself. Plus 1st gear is lower than either of the other trans as well.

I already have a 4L80E that will go into this truck but needs to wait until I get the rest of the TBI conversion parts accumulated and can do the engine swap so the computer controls are present for it to operate.

I do very little freeway driving and a lot of stop & go so the T-400 not having OD won't really bother me much. I really need the automatic more than anything. With the 5.13 gears and a manual trans I am shifting on average 150 times in a round trip to work and back through town. Not really good on a pair of bad knees to use a heavy truck clutch that often. The SM465 is in need of a rebuild too with all the shifting it has done so I might as well save the rebuild money and put it towards the automatic conversion instead.

I will be looking for an 81 to 88 NP208 with a T-400 so I can use the TC components with the 4L80E swap down the road. I will still keep my eye out for a T-400 splined NP205 but they are pretty hard to come by up here used. Nobody wants to get rid of them.

[csa daddy]

Originally Posted by 68 TT

Thanks for the offer but with my plans to install the 4L80E I already own your 27-spline case puts me in no better situation than the 10-spline case I have in the truck now.

Both have the small 80mm input bearing and would require complete tear down of the TC, machine work to enlarge the bearing area to 90mm and a new T-400 input shaft & bearing kit. Not really in my budget at this point in time.

i got a 208 that is 32 splined that will hook to that 4l80e i had it in my 1 ton dually when i straight axled it i would get rid of also

[68 TT]

Originally Posted by csa daddy

i got a 208 that is 32 splined that will hook to that 4l80e i had it in my 1 ton dually when i straight axled it i would get rid of also

That is what I am looking for just not 3000 miles away. Thanks for the offer.

[csa daddy]

my bad didnt realize how far ya was

[Dooley]

The CUCV's, ex-military 4x4 Chevy's have the T400/208 setup. There are a few pickups/chassis cabs that have the T400/205 but, they are not as common as the 208 setup. The M1009 Blazer has the T400/208 as standard equipment.

My M1008 has the T400/208.

[ghettoluxury]

The 88-91 NP241c will also work and it has the electric speedo.