205 or 241 tcase?

[Bhintz]

how strong are the 241s Im looking to get rid of my 208 and I cant decide between a 205 and 241, I know the 205 is a strong box but I want a good low range, and Im running a 700 trans and I havent seen an adaptor for it w/ the 205, and Ill be running a fixed yoke on the 241, but Im running 40s and planning on pumping up the hp this summer, so I dont want this thing to break. do you guys think it will hold or get the 205. here are the prices Ive frigure up to, tell me if these sound right
241-
used box 300
JB fixed yoke- 340
so around $650 for the 241

205-
built one from Northwest fab
450 for 205
60 for twin stick
80 for 32 spline front output
80 for 1410 yoke
200 for twin stick
so about $870 for the 205 I want

 

[85mudblazin]

I would stick with the 241, They are chain driven so they are not AS strong as a 205 but thats isnt really there weak link, there weak link is just the aluminum case its self but a good skid plate will take that out of the question. With a 205 your crawl is going to suck A$$, but if you do decide to go that route you should get a spacer that goes between the 2 instead of the new 700r4 shaft. The 241 is also a ton lighter than the cast 205.

 

[mikey_d05]

Most people that I know of that have broken a 241 have landed the truck on the case itself. I honestly don't know how strong/weak the output shafts are on them. I don't see any particular advantage in going to a 241 over a 208...the slip yoke conversion maybe? I'd try a 241 out and see how it holds up. With a 205 you'll probably end up wanting lower gears and that opens a whole 'nother chapter.

I haven't broken my 241 with my 40's yet...but it hasn't been out of the garage either

 

[Bhintz]

I don't see any particular advantage in going to a 241 over a 208...the slip yoke conversion maybe?

thats one reason and my 208 is going out, the case is starting to crack

 

[dyeager535]

From most that run them, the aluminum case seems to be the only downside to the 241. The input power "limit" of them is pretty high as I recall.

To be honest, now that I think about it, I don't recall any posts (I'm sure there must be a COUPLE) that said a 241 failed due to something internal.

My 208 came apart internally probably just from age, but the 241's just don't seem to have the same problems. Don't they use an actual fluid pump for lubrication?

I've got a 205 because I never wanted to have to worry about failure again (465 for same reason) but the 241 might have about the same track record when it comes to problems not related to hitting the case on a rock.

 

[Hossbaby50]

The 241 is marginally stronger then the 208. It does have the SYE kit available though. Honestly I would run the 241 with an SYE and see how long it lasts. I run a 700R4/208 in my truck and beat it pretty hard. As long as you keep the case from kitting things you are pretty much ok. They are cheap and easy to rebuild if something goes out in them.

The input on a 700R4 would be a 27 spline. The front and rear output on a 208 and 241 are 32 spline.

Harley

 

[CyberSniper]

Well, if you think about it...

GM put NP241s behind 300ftlb smallblocks with 465s. They're supposedly rated for 1000ftlbs continuous and 5500ftlbs max.

I'd clock the 241 up a bit, skidplate it, and run it. In fact, I've been looking for a NP241 to run instead of my NP208.

I'd consider putting a new Morse chain in it if you don't know the use or the mileage.

 

[readymix]

that is my exact plan too. I though about going with the doubler but the clocked 241 sounds easier and is definatly cheaper. I would just keep the 208 if someone would start making a SYE for it.

 

[sapper]

I damaged my 241 a couple years ago at uwharrie, 14ff got hung up on a rock so i punched it, the rock won but i didnt know it at the time, when we got back to camp (after a lot more wheeling) i noticed that the case was leaking a little, crawled under it and i had ripped the mount in two pieces, sideways, the entire drivetrain was pushed over 3-5 inches, the tailshaft (slip yoke) was cracked. I drove to town bought another mount fixed it there and drove it 4 hours back to the house. I like it

 

[big pappa b]

Hmmmm...do they make a SM465 to 241 adapter

 

[Hossbaby50]

yes

 

[zcarczar]

I run a SYE 241 and love it, its my poor mans doubler, and works great, plus it weighs a lot less than a 205 and has a much better low range, only downsides are that I cant run 2wd low without un locking hubs, and no front wheel drive low, but other than that its a great case.

 

[CyberSniper]

Hmmmm...do they make a SM465 to 241 adapter

Yes. It's the same as the 465/208. 84 and earlier got the "tall" adapter and 85 and later got the "short" adapter.