NP 203/205 or Atlas for my 72...

[elks]

Alright guys a major goal is to get my blazer lower geared. As a result I have been looking at options. I have looked over the 203/205 option and like the idea, but when I price out all that I have to do I end up with a number that seems not worth the hassle.

When I add it all up I come up with $1800 for the 203/205 combo. that includes getting the used 203, using my 205, building new length drivelines, making a cross member, etc.

I can go to the atlas site and build an atlas 2 to a slightly lower ratio and end up with somehting totally new, supposedly stronger, etc.

So if you had to choose, atlas or the doubled cases? Why?

PS this is going into my 72 chevy blazer. Any special htoughts, issues I need to consider for each?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

We sell Atlas transfer cases and doublers that we make, so keep that in mind.


Pros for the doubler:

An Atlas is NOT as strong as a doubler setup.

With the doubler, you get choices: 2:1 and 4:1 low ranges, you get one with the Atlas (until the 4 speed is available again, at roughly twice the price of your doubler estimate).

You get a longer front drive shaft, typically a good thing.

Bolts up to GM transmissions with little/no effort since the 203 came behind many GM transmissions and can be adapted to the rest.


Pros for the Atlas:

Brand new, ready to go

Light, compact

Choice of low range



What trans are you planning on using and what parts do you have?

 

[elks]

We sell Atlas transfer cases and doublers that we make, so keep that in mind.


Pros for the doubler:

An Atlas is NOT as strong as a doubler setup.

With the doubler, you get choices: 2:1 and 4:1 low ranges, you get one with the Atlas (until the 4 speed is available again, at roughly twice the price of your doubler estimate).

You get a longer front drive, typically a good thing.



Bolts up to GM transmissions with little/no effort since the 203 came behind many GM transmissions and can be adapted to the rest.


Pros for the Atlas:

Brand new, ready to go

Light, compact

Choice of low range



What trans are you planning on using and what parts do you have?

Chris,

Thanks a ton for the response. I am just looking at which way to go. Right now I have a 465 tranny and attached to it an NP205 xnsfer case. I do not have any other parts. I would need the 203 and the adapters. Also I would either have to make a crossmember or come up with one.

Do you make drivelines at your place? I am just down valley and am looking at a place to build a good driveline for my blazer front and rear. What would do you have an idea of cost to get the 203 and adapter plate? Thanks again I am going to go check out your site...

I also was wondering how much longer the set up end up being? I am afraid I will have to move exhaust to make it fit. I hope to have it all figured out before moab on memorial day. Also I live in Poopchute (Parachute) so shipping will not be a big deal as I can pick it up. I also would not mind seeing your place someday and getting an idea of what you have. I am a new auto teacher and am always looking for things to share with my students.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Chris,

Thanks a ton for the response. I am just looking at which way to go. Right now I have a 465 tranny and attached to it an NP205 xnsfer case.

Is it the early (pre '86) 10 spline setup or is it the late 32 spline input/output?

I do not have any other parts. I would need the 203 and the adapters. Also I would either have to make a crossmember or come up with one.

Are you set on the 465? Typically the stock crossmember works on our doubler adapter, that's the way it was designed.

Do you make drivelines at your place? I am just down valley and am looking at a place to build a good driveline for my blazer front and rear. What would do you have an idea of cost to get the 203 and adapter plate? Thanks again I am going to go check out your site...

We don't do driveshafts, Tom Wood's driveshafts have always treated us really well: http://4xshaft.com/

I also was wondering how much longer the set up end up being? I am afraid I will have to move exhaust to make it fit. I hope to have it all figured out before moab on memorial day. Also I live in Poopchute (Parachute) so shipping will not be a big deal as I can pick it up. I also would not mind seeing your place someday and getting an idea of what you have. I am a new auto teacher and am always looking for things to share with my students.

Plenty of stuff here to check out, you're welcome any time

 

[blazinzuk]

Multipurpose rig?

Then a doubler.

Mostly rocks, than an atlas for sure.

Having the choice of the 2 low ranges is awesome. If I were building a buggy it would be atlas hands down. But I do a ton of stuff with mine including mud and sand, so the doubler was the best choice.

 

[elks]

Chris,

I am pretty certain it will be the 10 spline as I believe it came from a mid 70s gm. I currently do not have any plans to move away from the 465. I have 4.56 gears and think that the doubler will give me a great low range. I am hoping to pick a direction soon as I am hoping to have it put together before end of may moab trip.

I have not found a 203 for sale on this side of the mountains. Some in denver for $75 I gues I might just make a trip that way. I do know the trailer trash swap meet is in Junction on the 26th so I might go there are hope.

Do you know of a local driveline builder? I am not against tom woods, but would like to just resize one and build the other for now. I called a place in junction and they guy was having a hard time figuring out how I would do anything other than a stock line. I ma pretty certain that with my lift and shorter rear driveline Iwill have to have a cv.


Thanks again,