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Transfer Case

Whittler

Whittler

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May 2, 2015
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Location
Clarksville TN.
I have read all the debates. I really only want to know if you had my decision which would you run. I have an NP205 and an NP208. I'm not concerned with any other transfer cases this is what I have and I'm going to run one of these. I'm not scared to install a doubler in the future.pill.jpg

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Deuling said:
Use of vehicle.


And oh boy here we go again....
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x2 :D

I run 205 as its what I got and know .

also if doubler later and doing drive shafts now then save money and do doubler now .. also later you might have to replace tail shaft in tranny for doubler to fit .

few things to check out up front first to save a lot later .
 
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Whittler said:
I'm not trying to start another debate.... Just building a streetable crawler which way would you roll.
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Love my 208, works great and never had an issue.

Have no experience with anything else.
 
No complaints with my NP241 w/sye kit. Can't say anything about the 205 since I've never had one.
 
208 is perfect. 205s are great too but I would on run one with a 203 in front of it. ive put my 208, (which has been grinding since I got it), through absolute rock crawling hell....no problems.
 
NP208 has lower crawling gear.
NP205 will survive longer if you are prone to smashing the TC against rocks.

NP208 is synchronized (you can shift it while you're moving). NP205 is not.

What transmission are you running? Are both cases equipped with input shafts that match your tranny? NP205 cases often require input adapters, both for the mounting surface and the input shaft. Pretty easy to wind up with a 205 that won't directly mate to an 80's transmission.

And if you do decide to do the doubler, it will change a lot of things in the drivetrain (driveshafts, input shafts, adapters, etc). Much easier, in the long run, to do the doubler now. If you decide to rock the 208 you will have more gear reduction and may decide you don't need the doubler.

Lots of factors that come down to you, your tastes, and your plans for the truck.
 
campfire said:
NP208 has lower crawling gear.
NP205 will survive longer if you are prone to smashing the TC against rocks.

NP208 is synchronized (you can shift it while you're moving). NP205 is not.

What transmission are you running? Are both cases equipped with input shafts that match your tranny? NP205 cases often require input adapters, both for the mounting surface and the input shaft. Pretty easy to wind up with a 205 that won't directly mate to an 80's transmission.

And if you do decide to do the doubler, it will change a lot of things in the drivetrain (driveshafts, input shafts, adapters, etc). Much easier, in the long run, to do the doubler now. If you decide to rock the 208 you will have more gear reduction and may decide you don't need the doubler.

Lots of factors that come down to you, your tastes, and your plans for the truck.
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I'm running a 86 K5 with a 700r4/208. I'm currently swapping in axles from a heavy duty 78 K20 with a 205. Axles are 4:56 so i need to keep my tranny for highway driving. I'm thinking bullet proof is more important to me right now. I can change to something else down the road or double it.
 
Whittler said:
I'm running a 86 K5 with a 700r4/208. I'm currently swapping in axles from a heavy duty 78 K20 with a 205. Axles are 4:56 so i need to keep my tranny for highway driving. I'm thinking bullet proof is more important to me right now. I can change to something else down the road or double it.
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Ok, that tranny will require a round-pattern (6-bolt) case with a 27-spline input shaft. I'm almost certain that the 205 from a heavy-duty K20 will not have the right shaft. And the bolt pattern won't match, either. That should be a figure-8 bolt pattern. So you will have to do some research into what adapter possibilities exist, if you plan to use that case. Adapters add up, cost-wise. So I'd definitely advise you to either go for the doubler now or keep rocking the NP208. No advantage buying adapters for something you plan to retire later.

I don't even think that NP205 cases were ever made with a round pattern and 27-spline shafts. But someone with more knowledge will have to confirm that.


What size of tires are you planning to run? 4.56 is a lot of gear for highway driving with small tires. Sounds like you'll have a capable rig when you're done. You have a build thread on here yet?
 
campfire said:
Ok, that tranny will require a round-pattern (6-bolt) case with a 27-spline input shaft. I'm almost certain that the 205 from a heavy-duty K20 will not have the right shaft. And the bolt pattern won't match, either. That should be a figure-8 bolt pattern. So you will have to do some research into what adapter possibilities exist, if you plan to use that case. Adapters add up, cost-wise. So I'd definitely advise you to either go for the doubler now or keep rocking the NP208. No advantage buying adapters for something you plan to retire later.

I don't even think that NP205 cases were ever made with a round pattern and 27-spline shafts. But someone with more knowledge will have to confirm that.


What size of tires are you planning to run? 4.56 is a lot of gear for highway driving with small tires. Sounds like you'll have a capable rig when you're done. You have a build thread on here yet?
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I will look into the bolt patterns. I haven't compared it yet. I'm going to run 36" Goodyear tires off of a Humvee for now. I've cut the truck to run 37" eventually so hoping to go up to those later.
 
Campfire is correct on both, your '78 205 bolt pattern is different and there are no 27 spline round pattern 205's.
 
Let's be honest here. Looking for validation that the 208 is going to be strong enough. The 205 is going to be cost prohibitive so the 208 is the better choice $$. That saw it is a fine TC. If you are really worried pick up a junkyard 241 and it will bolt right up with better oiling and 5 gear planetary
 
It honestly probably will be enough. Despite the perception by some that an all-gear case is the only thing worthwhile in a 4x4, the 205 really doesn't have much advantage when it comes to usable strength. When it comes to practical use the 208 is plenty strong, go for a 241 for even better strength. It's also a direct fit and a lot lighter, and a much better low range. Personally I wouldn't go through the hassle of dealing with the shortcomings of a 205 unless I was making a doubler, but we've already discussed how opinions are...
 
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