http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s5/montemyers1/enginetcasebrace.jpg

I have recently installed a 203 to 205 doubler behind a 350cu/th350 on my '79 Chevy 1/2 ton. The brace shown above went from the bell housing to the stock transfer case down the passenger side. My question is; should i try to modify/fabricate a brace to do the same thing? Or will I be ok not running it? The new (205) t-case has the same 2 bolts for a brace like this to fit, just in a different location. I have also made a cross member that will bolt up to my doubler adapter for additional support. Thanks in advance for your replies.

I would think the additional support brace under the doubler would take care of any issues. I know of a lot of people removing the brace pictured because they were either to lazy to put it back in or couldnt figure out how it went in. either way they didnt have a problem with not running it.

thanks odin. that is what i figured. i just got a lot of $$ tied up in my t-case/doubler and i don't want it to bust cause i am lazy. anyone else got an opinion?

to be honest its not your doubler that will bust. it would probably be your tranny housing as it is the weakest link. as said though better safe than sorry.

If you take a look at how the older braces were they went from the t-case straight to the frame. They used rubber mount to reduce the drive train noise and shock. I also lengthened the brace you showed and reused it. I broke a transfer adapter because my front driveshaft was too short and when it bottomed out the adapter broke. Just letting you know to make sure thats measured properly. As mentioned above I'm guessing your tranny is the first thing to break.

I would fabricate some type of brace to hold up the back of the 205. There is a brace on there for a reason. A 205 with fluid weighs around 100 lbs. You need to support the ass end of that thing somehow. You are asking for trouble not having some type of support to hold that up. My.02

thanks for the input, i think i will try to make that brace work after all.

It can't do anything but help the overall strength.

Are you running the torsion bars the run from the motor mounts to the bottom of the torque converter cover?

I would put it on for sure. A friend of mine pulled all the treads out of his 350 case with only an atlas on it. A 203/205 doubler would be alot of weight hanging by 4 bolts. We ended up putting a mount off the front output bolts to the skid plate to help with the weight.

It can't do anything but help the overall strength.

Are you running the torsion bars the run from the motor mounts to the bottom of the torque converter cover?

yes, i am running those. i have heard people breaking things by not running them. i gues if i run those i should also run the one pictured to, so as to keep the engine, trans, tcase one unit?

You know I had the same question on mine about 3 years ago when I built it? I thought well I will cut it and lengthen it after I get it rolling.

Well 3 years later I still need to do that or do I?? Some things just slip my mind at times! "Damn it Bobby"

I have broke a case completly in half before (th350) years ago on my first big truck and it ran the support rod.

I have had no issues with mine. 582,th400,205

P.S. a np 205 wieghs in @150

It can't do anything but help the overall strength.

Are you running the torsion bars the run from the motor mounts to the bottom of the torque converter cover?you mean people run those?:confused:

you mean people run those?:confused:

:rolleyes: I figured after busting the rear flange of my th-400 clean off, I better try something.

Installed the torque rods and fabbed up a better mount for the 203/205 and so far, so good...no breakie yet.