TH350 rebuild/replace OR 700r4 swap - read for context please

[Gtlackey]

I don’t currently have an NP208. Have the 205 here and ready and like the particular case. Been good to me on my 72

 

[Wes Harden]

Mine would look just like your 72. I don't have a good pick atm and I went looked for the 72 front drive shaft, all I could find was the 77 np203 shaft. Am hoping is just buried in my junk pile. Or at my brothers, where a bunch of my crap is.

 

[Gtlackey]

good point, didn't think of that... ha

 

[mpg7_400]

Ok guys, back for my second post, I am having a tough time deciding about transmission rebuild or swap?

this is for Jonathan's 1974 Jimmy with stock 350/350. tranny needs a full rebuild and we want to move from a NP203 to a NP205 I picked up this weekend so he can go to part time 4wd (last post was on the slugs, thanks for all the replys).
From what I see with the NP205, I already have to move the cross member, get new drive shafts (need to do anyway) and replace and move the 4wd shifter, so why would I not pick up a 700r4 that needs to be rebuilt and do it all at once? I feel we might eventually go to the 4 speed anyway...
what else am I missing in this swap idea?

Have you ever considered the THM 400 transmission? It is bullet proof.

 

[Gtlackey]

Have you ever considered the THM 400 transmission? It is bullet proof.

yes and no, still deal with the changes without OD, and feel we can build the TH350 well enough to hold power he will put to it (300-350ish). alfter all the discussions likely just going to rebuild his TH350 & NP205 with top heavy duty internals.

 

[Gtlackey]

Thanks everyone, it looks like after all the ins and outs, we are probably going to stick with the TH350 and rebuild it and the NP205 transfer case we have.

Had long conversation with a drag racing friend whose father owns Trans shop, he said for our application of a lot of around town driving with some longer distance highway towing; he recommended against the 700r4 convincingly. Basically if TH350 ad differentails geared right, the extra gas mileage was not worth the extra potential issues with the overdrive towing on highway...
will also save Jonathan some $$ for now and teach him a ton...
next post will be making sure I understand what I need to change to put the NP205 on my current TH350. mine has the GM adapter already, just have to figure out what else will be necessary...