Looking at a ‘79 how easy to add OD?

[Fishwater2002]

I’m looking at a 1979 K5 and while I love the round eye style I’ll be driving it regularly so thinking I need to add OD (700R4) and I guess a NP208 while I’m there. I’ve read a few different threads and it sounds pretty involved with dealing with the four wheel drive selector linkage plus crossmember plus driveshafts. I’m actually pretty surprised that there isn’t a simpler option so wanted to throw it out there first for everyone’s opinion.

The funny thing is that I promised myself I wouldn’t go down this rabbit hole again and just wanted something simple to drive and enjoy but here I am

 

[imiceman44]

I’m looking at a 1979 K5 and while I love the round eye style I’ll be driving it regularly so thinking I need to add OD (700R4) and I guess a NP208 while I’m there. I’ve read a few different threads and it sounds pretty involved with dealing with the four wheel drive selector linkage plus crossmember plus driveshafts. I’m actually pretty surprised that there isn’t a simpler option so wanted to throw it out there first for everyone’s opinion.

The funny thing is that I promised myself I wouldn’t go down this rabbit hole again and just wanted something simple to drive and enjoy but here I am

It's actually a lot simpler if you do 700r4 with a np208.
You need the adapter plate for the throttle valve cable at the carburetor, easy enough to find and then a complete set of transmission/transfer case and shifter.
A slight adjustment of the tunnel for the shifter and you're done.
Other than driveshafts which at this age you probably need something done on the driveshafts anyway.
I put one in a 74 but I went the hard way and adapted it to the np203 which meant changing the output shaft in the transmission so I rebuilt it while I was there

 

[HankScorpio]

Just buy an overdrive one.

You can build anything out of these trucks, they all bolt together like Legos. You don't have to though, just buy the right one and enjoy.