205 vs. 241

[JHG]

I am converting my K5 to Diesel and bought in packaged:

6.2, TH400 and NP241 (everything from the same vehicle driven almost 5500 miles).

I have been planning to use the 241 (the truck currently has 208) but few weeks ago me and my brother got few 205 cases for free. I dont rockcrawl (use the truck on snowdriving) so I think the 241 is the best chose for me because of lower gearing and I can shift to 4wd at any speed.

The plus for 205 is its much stronger (probably stronger than my truck will ever need) and its shorter.

Do you share my opinion that NP241 is a smarter chose or should I use the bulletproofed NP205?

My K5 currently has 38" tires but it can fit 44s.

 

[4X4HIGH]

The 241 will be a direct swap, however if you go with the 205 you will need a spacer and probably driveshaft work. Also you would need to redo a shifter since the 208 shifter will not work. You would also have to come up with an idea of how to mount the shifter as well.

 

[sled_dog]

and very well a new input gear for the 205.

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

As long as you don't bust up the case the 241 is plenty strong, dodge puts em behind cummins engines, from experience my k5 has a 241 and it has held up for 200,000 mi and broken almost every other component except the 241

 

[JHG]

Thank you all, I was 99% sure I would choose 241 but now I am 99,99% sure

 

[jekbrown]

agreed, the 241 is plenty strong. 241 has a slip yoke rear right? if so, that'd be the only advantage to the 205 in your application.

j

 

[CyberSniper]

If it's a later 205 it's pretty easy to put in place of a 241.

I'd keep the 241. In fact, I've been looking for a 241.

 

[Stephen]

With a 38 to 44" tire, I assume you're going to be using a D60 (maybe not, you don't do the same stuff we do) and if you are using a D60 I would be careful with the throttle. The broken 241's I've heard of have been in similar vehicles, it's the front drive and side pressure on the sprockets that causes problems. You just have less margin for error than with a 205.
If you drive like you know what your drivetrain is made of, you should be fine.

I'm actually a 241 fan if it's in the right application, I purposely put one in my 'burb, but it's got 35's and a 10b front and is driven like a daily driver.

 

[JHG]

I have been using D44 and 12 bolt for years without any problems (38"). I am looking for D60 but have already bought the 14 bFF.

I was thinking of buying all the 1 ton stuff and have it ready, but not change it untill I break something (if I know my self I will probably put the 1 ton stuff under the K5 as soon as I can ).

We drive mostly on snow but dont rockcrawl or drive in mud. I think its easier on the driveline than rockcrawling. But I know 44s and D44/12b are pushing it so I am preparing for it.

I have decided I will start with NP241. If I break it then I have a bunch of 205s to replace it with

Thank you all for your input