The NP 203 is a misunderstood beast and does require unique care and feeding depending on what modifications have been performed on them.
X1000 - it is HEAVY. Some see this as a disadvantage. I see it as an asset. It will shrug off rocks that would split an aluminum case like a melon.
Stock Hurst shifter = brings the suck! They will work just fine with proper care and feeding but most are abused, rode hard and put up wet. There are alternatives for not much $
Fixed yoke = Cool! nuff said!
In stock trim I believe both versions have a wider chain than any of the 2xx class transfer cases (-205 it is all gear) so the chain in theory should be stronger.
Here is where the care, feeding, and rumor mill start giving the 203 a bad rep. If you do not run the proper fluid in this case you will TRASH the chain. The 203 case REQUIRES 30 Wt oil (doublers are a different story). ATF is too thin and gear oil is too thick. The chain starts stretching out and starts jumping teeth quickly.
Second issue with care and feeding is if a part time kit has been installed. if a part time kit has been installed you MUST overfill the case with 30 Wt motor oil by installing a 90 degree pipe fitting into the fill port which results in raising the fluid level by a good inch. when a part time kit is installed the chain no longer spins in the oil bath all the time resulting in a lack of lubrication on the main output shaft. Increasing the oil level helps this situation.
Second part is that you should engage the transfer case into 4x4 at least once every 500 miles. There is a small oil "pan" up in the output shaft casing of the transfer case. There is an oil pump up there that pumps oil to the back output bearing. The oil then returns to that "pan" by engaging the transfer case into 4x4 you "refresh" the oil in that pan by the chain splashing more oil form the bottom of the case. Mind you, you dont need to actualy lock in the front hubs to accomplish this task. Simply going into 4 hi for 10 miles will do the trick.
The other Achilles heel for this transfer case is the shifter. It is a complex mechanical monster that has little sealing to keep out dirt. When dirt gets into it it gets stiff and will start wearing out fast. Cleaning the mechanism and lubricating them will return them to working condition but this rarely happens. Adjustment of the shifter is required and is not difficult once you understand how to do it.
Alternatives to the Hurst shifter. There are usually 2 methods here.
1. ORD sells a 203 twin stick option that ditches the entire Hurst box. It works well, looks good, and costs $.
2. some grab a second Hurst shifter from the junk yard and build up their own twin stick with a bit of bracketry and a welder. Done right it is quite reliable and can look good on the cheep.
I personally like my 203 as I put in a new chain, cleaned up and lubed the shifter and it now runs smooth as glass. It is no 205 all gear case that is for sure and it will never be that strong but it has served my family well since my father bought it new in 73. It had almost 280,000 miles on it before I replaced the chain and freshened it up. The chain was showing signs of stretch but it had not started slipping yet. Goes to show you that with the proper care and feeding it can be a reliable case. If you have any mechanical ability at all you can rebuild the entire thing quite easily.
Hope that helps,
Rufus
i have a 465/208 to put in it. {looking for a 205}. i have not beat the thing, but i have owned the truck since 89.and it has had it's share.i mine shifts pretty easy,but i found putting the trans in neutral makes things easier. 
