Jesse Jaymes
Registered Member
I will appologize in advance for my lack of general knowledge on things in general, but that's the reason I purchased the truck to begin with. To learn and build and turn SOME wrenches myself.
I have a 1974 Chevy Blazer. I have put little to no money into it yet, but now it seems it's time to start fixing things.
I am fairly certain that I have a GM 12 bolt rear, a 44 front, with a 350/350.
The headaches begin with the transfercase. I have looked at many online pics of both the 205 and the 203. Of course I am hoping I have the 205, but in reality I am almost certain I have the 203. Chuck's Chevy page did nothing to help me, as both of his pics of the 205 and 203 look the same.
From the rear of the vehicle, there is the perfectly round cover on the lower rt hand corner. The FILL plug is up high, in between the output and the cover. I did not see a drain plug at all. The speedo cable is on the PASSENGERS side of the output.
The shift pattern is a nightmare to research, as I have no idea what the LOC is. From what I can figure out, it as follows from the front of the vehicle.
2LO
N
2Hi
4Hi
Of course I could be totally wrong. The seller had told me that it was a 203 and had been the conversion kit installed for part time 4X4, which I've read changes the shift pattern. But he also told me the front was a GM 10 bolt, which I just had an epiphany to look at closer and realize it is, in fact a D44.
This unit leaks like a seive. And there is a resounding CLUNK at stopsigns and when the shifter is moved from stop. The more reasons I believe it's a soon-to-be-broken GM 203.
To have the seals replaced at a local tranny shop is gonna be about $200.
I have read about the MileMarker part time conversion involving changing an internal shaft with their parts, and it's rated as the best, most true "part time conversion". Quick surfing shows the MM shaft at about $359, plus shipping plus install, plus seals. So I think I am looking at $600 or so.
In my research, it seems many think the 203 is not the hunk of crap it's made out to be. Others say scrap it. As a former rock crawler, I am aware that there are many pro's and con's to equipment, but it really depends on what it's intended use it. The idea of a future doubler is very appealing, so I am not just gonna scrap it....
I plan on this being a weekend cruiser and a work ride, which is only 6 miles. It has 35"s on it, and I do not think I will go bigger. No more rock crawling, but yes, some off roading and 4 wheeling. No mud, just slow NM creeping and two-track rides.
I guess the main question is which way to go for best results and the cheapest. How hard would it be to find a DIRECT bolt in 205, and any idea of what it would cost to buy at a JY ?
Any help or direction is appreciated.
The Newb
I have a 1974 Chevy Blazer. I have put little to no money into it yet, but now it seems it's time to start fixing things.
I am fairly certain that I have a GM 12 bolt rear, a 44 front, with a 350/350.
The headaches begin with the transfercase. I have looked at many online pics of both the 205 and the 203. Of course I am hoping I have the 205, but in reality I am almost certain I have the 203. Chuck's Chevy page did nothing to help me, as both of his pics of the 205 and 203 look the same.
From the rear of the vehicle, there is the perfectly round cover on the lower rt hand corner. The FILL plug is up high, in between the output and the cover. I did not see a drain plug at all. The speedo cable is on the PASSENGERS side of the output.
The shift pattern is a nightmare to research, as I have no idea what the LOC is. From what I can figure out, it as follows from the front of the vehicle.
2LO
N
2Hi
4Hi
Of course I could be totally wrong. The seller had told me that it was a 203 and had been the conversion kit installed for part time 4X4, which I've read changes the shift pattern. But he also told me the front was a GM 10 bolt, which I just had an epiphany to look at closer and realize it is, in fact a D44.
This unit leaks like a seive. And there is a resounding CLUNK at stopsigns and when the shifter is moved from stop. The more reasons I believe it's a soon-to-be-broken GM 203.
To have the seals replaced at a local tranny shop is gonna be about $200.
I have read about the MileMarker part time conversion involving changing an internal shaft with their parts, and it's rated as the best, most true "part time conversion". Quick surfing shows the MM shaft at about $359, plus shipping plus install, plus seals. So I think I am looking at $600 or so.
In my research, it seems many think the 203 is not the hunk of crap it's made out to be. Others say scrap it. As a former rock crawler, I am aware that there are many pro's and con's to equipment, but it really depends on what it's intended use it. The idea of a future doubler is very appealing, so I am not just gonna scrap it....
I plan on this being a weekend cruiser and a work ride, which is only 6 miles. It has 35"s on it, and I do not think I will go bigger. No more rock crawling, but yes, some off roading and 4 wheeling. No mud, just slow NM creeping and two-track rides.
I guess the main question is which way to go for best results and the cheapest. How hard would it be to find a DIRECT bolt in 205, and any idea of what it would cost to buy at a JY ?
Any help or direction is appreciated.
The Newb
