Transfer case options. Doubler or magnum

[chris85]

Need some opinions and advice.

Today, I basically had a 203 dropped in my lap. I already have a 205 so naturally I start considering a doubler. However, driveline length is a big concern (89 jimmy). I had already decided to run an ORD Magnum, but now I’m trying to consider the best route.

So I’ll be running a 4l80e which adds 1 5/8” to total length. Then the doubler is 21” and the magnum is 18 3/4” total. Is that 2 1/4” going to make that big of a difference when it comes to driveshafts and angles? (Running ~ 7” rear lift with 6” ORD springs up front.)

Also contemplating drive ratios. My final drive ratio with the doubler is 44:1, 47:1 if I do 4:88 gear swap later, and the magnum will get me 60:1. Just wondering how much of a real world difference this would make.

Like I said, I’m just trying to weigh my options.

 

[skunked]

You should be fine on DS lengths with either setup.

The 241/205 gear combo is awesome but any doubler is better than none.

 

[azblazer]

241/205? As in 241c?

 

[Bent77]

There is a cost difference, definitely consider that

whats nice about the 241/205, is the cases have difference ratios, so you have more gearing options than 2x 2:1 cases

 

[azblazer]

I just wasn't aware that was an option. I traded my old doubler to a buddy in town and it was the old school 203/205 set up.

 

[chris85]

There is a cost difference, definitely consider that

whats nice about the 241/205, is the cases have difference ratios, so you have more gearing options than 2x 2:1 cases

That ratio options is a good point. Didn’t consider that.

Yeah the doubler is definitely the cheaper way to go, but I had already come to terms with the magnum price. I just don’t want to go doubler solely for the price. Like skunked said though, either doubler is better than none.

 

[Bent77]

Yeah both ORD and NWF have a 241/205 kit

 

[Bent77]

That ratio options is a good point. Didn’t consider that.

Yeah the doubler is definitely the cheaper way to go, but I had already come to terms with the magnum price. I just don’t want to go doubler solely for the price. Like skunked said though, either doubler is better than none.

I have plenty of gearing. I do wish I had the splits.

 

[chris85]

I just wasn't aware that was an option. I traded my old doubler to a buddy in town and it was the old school 203/205 set up.

That’s kind of what we’re comparing. The 241/205 to the 203/205. 241/205 is a little pricey though

 

[chris85]

Yeah both ORD and NWF have a 241/205 kit

See this is another options too. If I’m ok on length I have a 241 sitting around, I could go with the NWF ecobox. Its about the same price as a doubler.

I had ruled it out due to length too, but it’s being reconsidered.

 

[azblazer]

I have never seen that option on the ORD web site. Interesting.

 

[chris85]

The magnum is a little different but still has a 2.73:1 option

 

[Bent77]

They are built a little different. @skunked has a NWF product, @mrk5 has the magnum. I’ll let those two discuss the merits and such if how each unit is built.

If I were to start over, I’d like to have the option of the two different ranges. I didn’t have the money to upgrade to the magnum at the time. I also have a 465, so the overall gearing wasn’t as big of an issue

 

[Bent77]

Additionally, while you have everyone in here, Nows a good time to discuss the options for shifters.
I used an ORD mechanical linkage. Requires you to cut a larger hole in the floor, but a plate and boot is supplied


And this
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/the-...member-pics-thread.233677/page-6#post-3853681

 

[chris85]

They are built a little different. @skunked has a NWF product, @mrk5 has the magnum. I’ll let those two discuss the merits and such if how each unit is built.

If I were to start over, I’d like to have the option of the two different ranges. I didn’t have the money to upgrade to the magnum at the time. I also have a 465, so the overall gearing wasn’t as big of an issue

6.55 first gear must be nice! Ha. The 4l80s first gear ratio is a negative.

I’ve read a lot of good things about JB customs cable shifters, and as far as I can tell I can mount it in the factory hole fairly easily.

 

[obijuank5]

Doubler is cool as ****. I love it. Glad I did it every time I use it. I wish I had a planetary range box. Sometimes granny low double low is not low enough.

And I would have two different low ranges rather than two of the same.

What I did for the shirt wheelbase is I use reverse 56" for a 4" rear stretch. Really helped me get manageable angles for the rear shaft.

 

[Bent77]

With the glory of wicked low comes crappy splits.

I liked the mechanical linkage because it closely resembles what was factory to my '77
to each there own

 

[sweetk30]

dont forget crawl ratios are 2x on auto trans applications if i recall correctly .

and its a toss up . . . if you have basicly all the parts for a 203/205 its cheeper .

but as said the best of both worlds is now a magnum style unit for a true 3 SPEED t-case combo . with more middle ground options .

i have 2 ORD 203/205 combos in my shop now 1 in a truck other waiting for its new home . and a friends combo of parts is sitting here to build his .

reason i did 1st 203/205 was no real other options back then . 2nd was done cause i had all the parts on hand and got a smokin deal on a brand new never used ORD kit from a guy on another board forum .

if i had it to do again with 2nd unit and had my choice i would go magnum/205 .

 

[chris85]

dont forget crawl ratios are 2x on auto trans applications if i recall correctly .

and its a toss up . . . if you have basicly all the parts for a 203/205 its cheeper .

but as said the best of both worlds is now a magnum style unit for a true 3 SPEED t-case combo . with more middle ground options .

i have 2 ORD 203/205 combos in my shop now 1 in a truck other waiting for its new home . and a friends combo of parts is sitting here to build his .

reason i did 1st 203/205 was no real other options back then . 2nd was done cause i had all the parts on hand and got a smokin deal on a brand new never used ORD kit from a guy on another board forum .

if i had it to do again with 2nd unit and had my choice i would go magnum/205 .

Agreed, the magnum definitely has more pros than cons. Only real con I see is the expense.

The 203 was given to me so I’m not out anything. I think the magnum is still the way I want to go.

Why is it that automatics are 2x crawl ratio?

 

[AV8TER]

You can get an Eco Box from NWF for close to the same money as the kit to do a 203/205 from ORD. Sell the 203 and get a 241 to build an Eco Box. You can use a driver side drop 241 from an IFS rig. Those are a dime a dozen and I've had a couple given to me. Then you would have a true 4 speed box like an Atlas or a Magnum. If you have the skills to build the Eco Box you will save 1k over a Magnum.