BW 1345 Transfer Case to a NP208 Swap???

[Super Wagon]

Hey All,

I have a 1991 Ford Pathfinder E350 Econoline Super Club Wagon.
The Transfer Case cannot 'find' 2-Wheel Drive.
I need to have it rebuilt.
I would like to upgrade it with something better.
I have a Borg Warner 1345.
I was going to get a 1356 when I was told that the 1356 is not a direct swap, but that an NP208 is and a better T-Case anyway.
Is the NP208 a good direct-fit replacement for my burnt out 1345?
From pictures, it looks a lot smaller.

Thanks.

[D60]

IMO you were given bad info. The 1356 is, IMO, the best of the three options you have mentioned. It may not be a DIRECT swap, but damn close and no more or less work than an NP208 (probably less actually). Any Ford t-case will bolt up to your trans - - I'm only assuming you're running a married setup as I've never seen a divorced BW13xx. You'll just have to work out minor shift linkage issues and maybe address driveshaft lengths - standard fare IOW.

However you might just open up your 1345 and see what it needs. I can tell you right now it'll be the range shift fork and shift pads. Even if you get a used 1356 I'd check this anyhow as it's the second most common issue behind the oil pump arm eating thru the case. Later model 1356s had some minor improvements, but the closer you get to 92-96 the more likely you're gonna find pushbutton shift units which are shit - esp in half-tons and Broncos. Too bad we're so lazy as consumers that we don't want to pull a lever.

Bronco cases will have a flange mount or fixed yoke and thus "factory SYE." Actually this would be an upgrade IMO, but you'd have to pony up for a whole new rear d/s with slip shaft.

If you pony up for a red star and search the Ford forum you'll find more info than you know what to do with.