Is it possible to convert an NP205(th350) to a divorced case?

[WJACKSON11X]

Going to convert my 2wd Suburban to 4wd. It has a 454/th400. Trying to use parts that I already have. I have a completely rebuilt 205(th350 figure 8) sitting in the shop. Would it be possible to convert it to a divorced case so I don't have to change/rebuild my transmission. This will be a mostly street and mild trail rig. Any opinions o n this? Better yet, has anyone done this?

 

[sweetk30]

yes with input shaft/gear swap on the 205 case . then make full custom brackets to hold the case and plug off extra adaptor threw holes . so gear oil don't leak out.

but depending on the wheel base length and lift size a divorced case can be a real pita to fit and get good drive shaft angles.

I had to make brackets and hang a 205 in a guys std cab long bed truck with around 16" or so of suspension lift . the rear shaft should have had a c/v shaft in it . but its a off road only 90% of the time rig so he just went 1410 joints for best angle possible.

the intermediate shaft from tranny ( sm465 ) to the divorced 205 case was around 15" max length with a ship shaft in the unit .

and if looking for a divorced 205 dodge / ih trucks used them in pass side drop . the ford gear would also work for you but the case is driver drop not pass like gm .

and ih trucks used 32" wide frame rails just like out trucks so if you get all the brackets it would be a almost bolt in setup .

if your th400 is bolt on yoke you might be able to use it with a input gear swap on the 205 case to 32 spline and bore the case for the bigger input bearing size . then a th400 adaptor bolt up . there is a th400 tail shaft id chart posted around here in a lot of threads for the info you need . when I get home I can post it up for ya .

 

[WJACKSON11X]

yes with input shaft/gear swap on the 205 case . then make full custom brackets to hold the case and plug off extra adaptor threw holes . so gear oil don't leak out.

but depending on the wheel base length and lift size a divorced case can be a real pita to fit and get good drive shaft angles.

I had to make brackets and hang a 205 in a guys std cab long bed truck with around 16" or so of suspension lift . the rear shaft should have had a c/v shaft in it . but its a off road only 90% of the time rig so he just went 1410 joints for best angle possible.

the intermediate shaft from tranny ( sm465 ) to the divorced 205 case was around 15" max length with a ship shaft in the unit .

and if looking for a divorced 205 dodge / ih trucks used them in pass side drop . the ford gear would also work for you but the case is driver drop not pass like gm .

and ih trucks used 32" wide frame rails just like out trucks so if you get all the brackets it would be a almost bolt in setup .

if your th400 is bolt on yoke you might be able to use it with a input gear swap on the 205 case to 32 spline and bore the case for the bigger input bearing size . then a th400 adaptor bolt up . there is a th400 tail shaft id chart posted around here in a lot of threads for the info you need . when I get home I can post it up for ya .

I actually saved the chart yesterday while I was doing some research. I figured with the long wheelbase of a suburban, I might be fine with a divorced case. I have a 208 as well, but don't think that's going to happen easily. I thought about buying a case and have it machined to accept the big bearing, but really trying to keep from doing all that. Any idea on what is needed to swap the input to a fixed yoke?

 

[sweetk30]

swap the input gear and add the seal retainer to the outside input section of the case . might have to drill / tap few holes for it . but easy to do in the cast material of the case .

the divorced 3 input is a small bearing also so no machining required there .

there is a input or two from time to time on ebay for sale also . keep a eye out.

don't forget the extra new intermediate shaft will add a bit more driveline play and clunk to the system possibly .

 

[kgblazerfive]

IMO you are going to be miles ahead as in $$$ just getting the trans done.

Divorced case = shaft to t-case, longer front driveshaft, much shorter rear shaft, shifter issues, transfer case mount.

The mods needed for the t-case are about the same for either conversion. Its the other stuff that will add up.