Back In the Saddle Again

[K5Devil]

Are the spacers any good? I’d rather get the correct drive shaft than run a spacer.

Meh, I have triple sticks in one rig. The twin sticks are highly over rated. I'd rather have the better transfer case, than the novelty of twin sticks. Not my truck though.

Martin

I always thought there was a bunch of hate on the 208 compared to the 205 chain vs gear. I definitely will be going stick shift. I hate automatic transmissions with a passion so fiery it dwarfs the sun.

ideally I’d want an NV4500.
but I’m also not made out of money.

this thing needs tons of work suspension and drivetrain wise. I don’t like the trans spacer. Don’t like the cross member drop spacers. I don’t like the blocks under the leafs in the rear. I’m not scared to get the correct drive shaft and adjust axle perches to make a much more solid platform.

Are the twin sticks annoying or What makes them so overrated in your opinion? Gear ratio?

 

[82355]

There are thousands upon thousands of those spacers out there. There is nothing wrong with them. That being said, you wouldn't need the spacer with an SM465/NP208. The spacer is only for using a TH350 in place of a TH700R4 and still using the TH700R4/NP208 adapter. The TH350/NP208 was available for a very limited time, so the correct adapters are out there, but they are pretty rare.

From the factory, a TH350/NP208, TH400/NP208, TH700R4, NP833/NP208, and SM465/NP208 are all roughly the same length. GM got smart in the 80's and decide to make up the difference in lengths between all of the different transmission in the adapters. That way they all used roughly the same parts.

As for the crossmember being dropped. Take the spacers out. They should not be there.

Rear blocks are not a big deal, unless you are going to be going offroad quite a bit. For a street rig, lift blocks are the best option.

The 'hate" on the NP208 is usually from mouth breathers, with a 3/4 cam and camel humps!

An NP205 is a crappy transfer case unless you are building a doubler. As for the twin sticks, I tired front digs a couple times in my Blazer. Noticed ZERO difference. Just a lot of bucking, not any improved turning. An NP205 has a pathetic 1.96:1 low ratio. It does does even double your ratio. An NP208 is 2.61:1, much better, but not as good as the NP241's 2.72:1.

Martin

 

[centexk5]

I ran a th350//np208 for nearly two years with 3.55’s on open diff’s and 37” tires. Zero complaints on that combo. Granted I had to drive around in low range because high was useless with the gearing and tires but it had no issues crawling up anything I pointed it to. Haven’t had a chance to crawl with the 4.88’s and lockers but from the driving around I’ve down, it should be a beast.

 

[K5Devil]

There are thousands upon thousands of those spacers out there. There is nothing wrong with them. That being said, you wouldn't need the spacer with an SM465/NP208. The spacer is only for using a TH350 in place of a TH700R4 and still using the TH700R4/NP208 adapter. The TH350/NP208 was available for a very limited time, so the correct adapters are out there, but they are pretty rare.

From the factory, a TH350/NP208, TH400/NP208, TH700R4, NP833/NP208, and SM465/NP208 are all roughly the same length. GM got smart in the 80's and decide to make up the difference in lengths between all of the different transmission in the adapters. That way they all used roughly the same parts.

As for the crossmember being dropped. Take the spacers out. They should not be there.

Rear blocks are not a big deal, unless you are going to be going offroad quite a bit. For a street rig, lift blocks are the best option.

The 'hate" on the NP208 is usually from mouth breathers, with a 3/4 cam and camel humps!

An NP205 is a crappy transfer case unless you are building a doubler. As for the twin sticks, I tired front digs a couple times in my Blazer. Noticed ZERO difference. Just a lot of bucking, not any improved turning. An NP205 has a pathetic 1.96:1 low ratio. It does does even double your ratio. An NP208 is 2.61:1, much better, but not as good as the NP241's 2.72:1.

Martin

Thanks for the info Martin. I do plan to go off road quite a bit mainly just sand around here though. I want it to be capable both street and wheeling wise.

I’ve never trusted the blocks on the axles. Just looks half assed to me although on the many Toyota and Chevy trucks I’ve owned and wheeled hard the blocks never budged. I’d just rather have the springs.

eventually I want to 14bff like my last truck was. I basically want the exact same truck I had before I had to sell it to move down here to AZ. I’m still kicking myself for selling it.

 

[K5Devil]

I ran a th350//np208 for nearly two years with 3.55’s on open diff’s and 37” tires. Zero complaints on that combo. Granted I had to drive around in low range because high was useless with the gearing and tires but it had no issues crawling up anything I pointed it to. Haven’t had a chance to crawl with the 4.88’s and lockers but from the driving around I’ve down, it should be a beast.

I can’t remember what ratio this I want to say it’s 3.08 or 3.73 can’t remember but it’s on the tag in the glove box.

but it definitely has some scoot. Which I like. It only has 33” tires I’d like to go back to 37” eventually like I had before.

 

[imiceman44]

I noticed that as well and thought it was odd.

The one year th350/208 combination had a 1" thicker adapter than the 700r4/208.
I guess the PO had a bad 700r4 and decided to replace it with a th350 but assumed it had the same adapter so didn't get the adapter with it, then added the 1" spacer.
I had one of these adapters and sold it for good money

 

[imiceman44]

Just read this thread through from beginning to end.

You don't need to change columns. There is no difference between a TH350 column and a TH700R4 column. The detents you feel when shifting are in the transmission. The only difference is the gear indicator in the gauge cluster. You can swap a TH700R4 indicator out, and put a TH350/TH400 indicator in. Two screws hold it to cluster, and one screw holds the cable to the column.

The reason an '88 R/V windshield is listed as a different part than a '73-'86 C/K or '87 R/V windshield is because in '88 they quit using the windshield antennae. I have seen lots of '88-'91 windshields with the antennae just because someone replaced the original with one that had it. It makes no physical difference.

The reason there is a spacer between your TH350 and your NP208 is because they used those to replace a TH700R4 with a TH350. That way it was the same length, and you did not have to change driveshafts, crossmembers, or shifters.

If I was you, I would flip that ten spline SM465/NP208 and look for an '85-'87/'88 SM465/NP208 or better yet an '89 SM465/NP241. They are a direct swap for what you currently have. You can reuse your current crossmember, driveshafts, and transfer case shift. The only hole you have to cut in the floor is for the SM465 shift tower, and there is a punch out already there. Plus, as you have an '85, all the punchouts are there already for the hydraulic clutch setup, which is a superior setup to the mechanical linkage.

Martin

I know you meant to say sm465/205 10 spline, because there's no 10 spline 208.
The sm465 came in 32 spline in 81 with the first 208 only.
I had one.

 

[82355]

I know you meant to say sm465/205 10 spline, because there's no 10 spline 208.
The sm465 came in 32 spline in 81 with the first 208 only.
I had one.

Yep. Typo. I fixed it.

Martin

 

[82355]

The one year th350/208 combination had a 1" thicker adapter than the 700r4/208.
I guess the PO had a bad 700r4 and decided to replace it with a th350 but assumed it had the same adapter so didn't get the adapter with it, then added the 1" spacer.
I had one of these adapters and sold it for good money

That spacer (there are probably multiple brands, but Fitzall is the common one), is used on purpose, not as a mistake. They are so you can directly swap a TH350 in place of a TH700R4 without having to buy a new transmission adapter. I have several of them from old parts trucks.

Quick edit, yep they are still available.

4x4 700-R4 to 350

www.fitzall.com

Martin

 

[imiceman44]

That spacer (there are probably multiple brands, but Fitzall is the common one), is used on purpose, not as a mistake. They are so you can directly swap a TH350 in place of a TH700R4 without having to buy a new transmission adapter. I have several of them from old parts trucks.

Quick edit, yep they are still available.

4x4 700-R4 to 350

www.fitzall.com

Martin

I know, I have a couple of them.
One still unopened.
Last time I opted to change the output shaft, to reduce the length of the driveline to go in a blazer with a doubler.

 

[kennyw]

As for the crossmember being dropped. Take the spacers out. They should not be there.

The spacers do belong on the crossmember bolts just not in between the crossmember and frame. GM used longer bolts with a spacer under the nut to solve an issue with short bolts breaking under high load. The longer bolts can stretch a little more without failure when you twist up the frame off-road. They did the same thing on the steering box bolts.

 

[imiceman44]

The spacers do belong on the crossmember bolts just not in between the crossmember and frame. GM used longer bolts with a spacer under the nut to solve an issue with short bolts breaking under high load. The longer bolts can stretch a little more without failure when you twist up the frame off-road. They did the same thing on the steering box bolts.

I agree and I had that problem on my 76 on a trail when the bolts broke on one side and the transfer case and transmission/engine dropped to the ground.
I had to rob some bolts from less critical places to get off the trail

 

[82355]

The spacers do belong on the crossmember bolts just not in between the crossmember and frame. GM used longer bolts with a spacer under the nut to solve an issue with short bolts breaking under high load. The longer bolts can stretch a little more without failure when you twist up the frame off-road. They did the same thing on the steering box bolts.

I guess I should have been more specific. I know what the spacers are for. I meant they do not belong between the frame and the crossmember. In later model trucks, GM came up with a better solution to avoid confusion.



Martin

 

[K5Devil]

Got the missing trim I needed from MR. A back home. Shipped out earlier.

got all the bearings pulled from the transfer case. All parts will be here monday for assembly.

should have it back in the truck by Tuesday or so. Still need to replace the Ujoints and paint the drive shaft.

I’m battling ordering a Cowl induction hood or ordering seat upholstery this month

will get shift indicator as well.

I think I’ve decided to paint it silver metal flake. Need a soft topper as well.

 

[K5Devil]

Finally got that main housing clean enough for me

 

[K5Devil]

Maybe one of y’all can answer me this.

ORD offers a short shaft 32 spline for the sm465. What exactly is eliminated in the shorter shaft? Is there a certain adapter needed for a shorter 32spline shaft? Here on ORD

 

[max 02]

Here we go.

View attachment 399192

Nice job on the benches and shelves!

 

[imiceman44]

Maybe one of y’all can answer me this.

ORD offers a short shaft 32 spline for the sm465. What exactly is eliminated in the shorter shaft? Is there a certain adapter needed for a shorter 32spline shaft? Here on ORD

The shorter shaft is used with a shorter adapter.
If you're not putting a doubler, you gotta go with the adapter for your case:
Figure 8 =short shaft
Round figure =long shaft

 

[K5Devil]

The shorter shaft is used with a shorter adapter.
If you're not putting a doubler, you gotta go with the adapter for your case:
Figure 8 =short shaft
Round figure =long shaft

ok, so if I decided to use the 208 with the SM465 I’m going to need the long OeM shaft.

 

[Bent77]

ok, so if I decided to use the 208 with the SM465 I’m going to need the long OeM shaft.

That was how that was set up from the factory. The corresponding adapter is the one i have in my truck ahead of the t cases. I can get you a measurement on the length if needed