np 203 transfer case vs a np 205 debate

[FatHarryPotter]

i have been doing some research and the seem to be both good cases. i have a 203 that has been converted but the chain broke and the shifter fork got damaged. i am tempeted to replace it with a 205. they are rather had to find unfortunally and if i did find one i a pick apart it would cost me about 150 to 200 dollars plus the weekend to pull it. my 203 need to be rebuilt and it might cost alittle more but i might have to have the 205 gone through also. driveline lenght is a non issue as i need a new one. O its on a 74 blazer with a 12 bolt rear end. th 350 tranny with a 350. 8inch lift on 38 tsl. any info would be greatly apprieciated. i want to built a mudding machine eventually and would like something i wound have to worry about when i put a 383 with about 400hp and 400 ft lb

Robert

o i forgot to mention it isthe bigger 203 with the 2and a half inch chian. minus it extremely heavy sob

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The cheapest and easiest option is to watch craiglist and local boards for another 203, they're cheap and easy to find.

If you want to swap to a 205, you need to find a 1st gen truck (69-72) that had a TH350/205 and take that adapter and 205.

 

[abig84]

If you want to swap to a 205, you need to find a 1st gen truck (69-72) that had a TH350/205 and take that adapter and 205.

will you have to swap out the output shaft? i know the np203 th350 set ups the th350 has like no output shaft barely comes the end of the transmission.

 

[FatHarryPotter]

no as long as you change the adapter plate it is a direct bold it. my 203 that needs to be rebuilt is fine. i have heard that the 205 is alittle stronger but i have also heard great things about the 203 and since i have the heavy duty version with the larger chain i am considering rebuilding it. Just want to get some suggestion from people with more experience with with 203 and 205s

 

[blowedupmotor87]

205 is a lot stronger than a 203! Keeping a 203 would be cheaper, swapping in a 205 would be stronger, doing a 203/205 doubler would be the most money (by far) but totally worth it!
203= cast iron case, geared low range, chain drive 4x4 portion and super heavy
205= cast iron case all gear (low range and 4x4 portion), a lot stronger, and (seems to me but I could be wrong) not as heavy of weight

It all depends on how much you want to spend really. That's the only argument that I can think of for keeping a whole 203 is that it'd be cheaper than a swap of any kind.

 

[jt512]

While swapping in another 203 would definetly be the cheapest, I personaly would try to go the 205 route. Because of your future plans, big power, big tires, I would want to go with the toughest parts possible. Just my $.02

 

[toomany]

As said before swapping in another 203 would be cheaper, heck I've got two sitting out back...if you were closer you could have one.

I'd swap in a 205, just for the ease of shifting and better strength.

 

[abig84]

As said before swapping in another 203 would be cheaper, heck I've got two sitting out back...if you were closer you could have one.

I'd swap in a 205, just for the ease of shifting and better strength.

i had a 203 and i couldnt give the dang thing away if my life depended on it. put a couple ads up on sites and on craigslist. i ended up scraping the big boat anchor.

the worst thing about the 203 is just the dang size of it. its such a pain to install and remove out of the truck

 

[MUDmaniac3]

i personally have a 203 in my blazer right now but i have a 205 to go in it but not ready to fork out the change for the 400 to 205 adapter. it came with the 350 to 205 adapter. I'm gonna switch cause i like having the option of 2wd in the case and easy to twinstick and i've gone through a few trannys and i can put the 205 in my dads blazer by myself but it takes three guys to put the 203 back in mine the weight difference is incredible. go with the 205

 

[toomany]

i had a 203 and i couldnt give the dang thing away if my life depended on it. put a couple ads up on sites and on craigslist. i ended up scraping the big boat anchor.

the worst thing about the 203 is just the dang size of it. its such a pain to install and remove out of the truck

I've thought about trying to sell them, but figured I'd run into the same problems that you found. I planned on taking them to the scrap yard but never got around to doing it when the price was still good. So now they are sitting in the backyard untill scrap comes back up...or I find someone who wants/needs one. I know I don't plan on using them anytime soon.

 

[abig84]

the only thing that are worth anything is the range box that people use for doublers. you can just list them on craigslist for what you think you would get for scrap. that way you break even and dont have to lug them to the scrap yard

 

[YZEATER]

no as long as you change the adapter plate it is a direct bold it. my 203 that needs to be rebuilt is fine. i have heard that the 205 is alittle stronger but i have also heard great things about the 203 and since i have the heavy duty version with the larger chain i am considering rebuilding it. Just want to get some suggestion from people with more experience with with 203 and 205s

heavy duty version, eh?



if you put a 205 in there, your front driveshaft is going to get shorter and may have angle issues with your amount of lift.

 

[blazin_blazer]

yes, i would take the range box off the 203's before i take them across the scales. never know when someone wants/needs one for a doubler!

 

[LeadFoot69]

The NP205 is nearly bullet proof. Everything else in your drive train would brake fisrt.