swapping axles and trans from parts truck....?

[matkes77]

I am looking into getting a '74 in better shape than the one I've got and have some decisions to make.

My current K5 has 14bff and dana 44 up front from 3/4 ton, not sure on the TC, but I think a NP205.

The K5 that is in better shape has a bad trans and TC, but he is throwing in a 700r4 and a TC out of a '85.

I only plan on cruising, not much wheeling and don't know if it's really worth all the work to swap the beefy axles into the less-rusty '74. I like the idea of having a truck that is less breakable, but in reality I may not really do enuff off road to worry about it.

Opinions please........thx

 

[dfl701]

It won't hurt anything to swap them over. It would be a direct sway since I'm guessing you already moved the spring perches. It depends on tire size and what's the plan. You may only be cruising but if your going to run a larger tire then seal the axles. They will have a deeper gear then the stock axles in the less rusty truck

 

[matkes77]

yeah, I agree....I would much rather build it stronger than what I need. The only issue is my skill level and lack of space to do this work. What is the best way to identify my TC? I think it's a 205, but not sure since some work was done before I got this truck.

What is the story on the NP241? I know in my gut that I should swap everything, but just lack of space in my little apartment garage. Some friends are telling me that with what I would be using the truck for, that I should not worry about the swap and just keep the axles it came with.

I guess I should only start worrying about it, if I actually get the less-rusty '74 first.

MK

 

[resurrected_jimmy]

The NP 241 (2.72 low range) is a good T-case, way better low range than the NP 205 (1.96 low range). The one thing the 241 will not take is being smacked into rocks, the aluminum case will shatter. For parts ID post a picture up and we can tell you what kind of T-case your K5 has. If I already had a 14FF real axle I would swap it in.

Just noticed you said the seller is throwing in a trans and t-case from an 85. That would be an NP 208 T-case most likely