NP208 Rebuild - Chain too Tight

[83k5blzrbob]

Hello, I am just finishing rebuilding my 83 K5 NP208 t-case and when trying to install the retainer, the mainshaft is pulled so far over from the new chain that the retainer has to be forced over to allow it to be bolted in place. When bolted down, the chain gets so tight that it takes alot of torque to spin the shaft. Is this normal?

The rebuild included new bearings, seals, and chain.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Blue85]

Any chance you can post a picture of the old chain next to the new one? What part # is it?

 

[83k5blzrbob]

Yes, I'll take one later today. When comparing the chains before, there did not seem to be any difference in the length. The original had a little more flexibility, but it was not any longer than the new one.

 

[GMC1977]

count the links. it might have a different number than the new one.

 

[83k5blzrbob]

Sorry for not getting back. Not sure why, but it appears that the new chain is the culprit. I split the case again and compared the new chain with the old chain and there appeared to be no difference in length or number of links. The amount of play between the links was no different either so I put the old chain back in and mock assembled it. This resulted in what seemed to be a working t-case. Not sure why, but since the old chain seems fine with out any excessive slack, I'll finish the assembly with it and see what happens.
Thanks for the suggestions and sorry for not getting back sooner.