Total parts needed to swap the 203 with a 205?

[Jesse Jaymes]

Again, been asking and learning, but more searching than anything.

Have:1974 w/ 203 and TH350

Want to replace leaky 203 with a 205. Found one and it's from a TH350 tranny. The guy on Ebay has a nice reman that I would pay to have shipped here. Nothing else with it but the rebuilt T-case. Will need a shifter also. Was told there are no additional crossmembers needed for this swap.

But don't I need an adaptor of some type to mount this T-case to the tranny ? I am totally confused about the need of couplers, aftermarket adapters, factory "adapters" or mounts also. I put a bit of effort into finding a 205 that came behind the factory TH350 tranny. Now I've found one, I can afford it, it's already resealed and ready to install. But.....

What other parts or modifications are going to need done if I decide to go this route ?

I read many archived forums about just swapping the 203 out with a 205. Not much else is said about the incurred headaches. Please help.

 

[chosen(1)]

Yes you will need a shifter (now would be a good time for a twin-stick).

You will need a factory th350 to 205 adapter with the coupler. You will also want to replace the seals in the adapter - just trust me. It is no fun spending two hours pulling the x-fer case and re-installing it to replace two five dollar seals that you figured were fine.

Your crossmember will be fine

Your driveshafts will need some attention. The front will have to be shortened, and the rear lengthened.

Depending on the price you may be better off finding a 10-spline 205 as they are everywhere and cheap, and swapping the 27-spline input into it. That is what I did, it was very simple, and only required basic hand tools.