just traded an old cj 5 i had been building up for a few years for a 79 chevy 1/2 pick up with a small block 400 and a np203 transfer case. I am definitely gonna put 1 ton axles under it, but i am wondering about what the best option would be for that transfer case. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thanks, joe

Welcome to wheelin' a beast:eek:

but really the 203 is ok , realize that it's full time ( untill you convert it with a shaft kit )
a 205 is probably the next logical choice.
the 203 in good shape should be fine untill a monster motor and heavy foot get mixed in.

The 203 is a beast of a case, gets a bad reputation for no reason..........very stout units. When converted with a shaft to part time they'll last a long time if you remember to run it in 4X high once a month or so. Next best option is a NP205, it'll bolt right in with driveshaft mods.

Welcome...........

Actually, I wouldn't call a 205 a "bolt in" replacement for a 203 since it also requires a different output shaft in the tranny.

I thought they took the same output shaft?

Pete

the "best option" is to add a 205 behind the low range portion of the 203, its called a doubler.
then you can run hiway gears in the axles and still have real deep offroad gearing available, best of both worlds

I am with MJ on this one. Keep the 203. I ran one behind my 513 for years, and never had a problem. And when you are ready for a doubler you are already half way there. For Doubler info Go Here (http://www.alaskaoffroad.com/tech_2.htm) :usa:

I'll throw in another vote for the doubler.

There are several different output shaft lengths. As far as I know none of the shafts are the same. But, I could be wrong...

Hmmm, I just realized, I'm talking about autos. Maybe manuals use the same shaft? Did they put 203s behind manuals? Seems like I remember that most (all?) manuals got 205s. I really don't know, maybe someone else can fill in the manual info...

anybody know what the part time conversion kit would run me and if it is a fairly simple installation. thanks, joe

Originally posted by BadDog
Actually, I wouldn't call a 205 a "bolt in" replacement for a 203 since it also requires a different output shaft in the tranny.

Nope, same output shaft, just need the case-specific adapter for an auto............my T350 will bolt up to either case with the adapter. Maybe it's the manuals that are different?

Different adapter. Sold a adapter and NP205 for a th350 10 years ago. the guy drove over and we yanked the 203 out put the 205 in and he drove away on the front drive shaft I sold him. He still needed the new rear drive shaft. I had this for sale then as I switched to a SM465/ NP205. ;)

Hmmm, my information shows one of the 205 shafts (IIRC there are two, this would be the long one I guess?) as 4 9/16" long from the tail housing mount and the 203 (only one?) as 1 3/8" from the tail housing mount. FWIW, same info indicates a 208 is 2 5/16" sticking out. Maybe the short 205 is the same as the 203? Oh well, maybe I got bad info but, it came from pics posted a while back on CK5 where a guy (don't remember who) had them all lined up side by side with the case adapter pulled of and rulers...

If you decide you are no longer in need of the 203 adaptor I'll buy it. 80 bucks plus shipping. I'm going with the doubler.

tylermann@aol.com