I'm trying to find an NP205 to bolt up behind my 86 AOD. What years came with the np205? Also are the transmissions the same out of the inline 6's and the 302 V8's?

 

The 300-302-351w and 351c use the same trans bellhousing pattern,also I think the 3.8 and 4.2 v6 use the same trans as well.
I think the np205 was last used in the 70's.

 

Are you looking at the NP205 for strength? The AOD will be your weak link. I would stick with an NP208 or BW1345/1356 (but you might lose the speedo gear). If I recall, no 205s were offered behind an AOD meaning the linkage would likely have to be custom.

 

yes the 205 was last used in 79. I have bolted one to a newer c-6 but not sure about the AOD, look at the end of your trans and if you have a 205 to see if they look the same also there was 2 different adapters a short and long, if yours is a 4wd measure the adapter just to make sure the 205 you get has the same length of adapter. Ive heard that all the FORD trans had the same bolt patterns on the end of the trans but have never checked it.

 

I was told on Fullsizebronco.com that all the transfer cases had the same number of input splines. I also read that they both the 208 and the 205 have a 6 bolt circular bolt pattern.

"If I recall, no 205s were offered behind an AOD meaning the linkage would likely have to be custom."

What do you mean?

The speedo gear in all the 4 wheel drive trucks are in the transfercases right?

 

And if I shouldn't do the 205 what transfer case should I get?

 

some 4x4's w/ electronic speedo's use the signal from the abs sensor in the rear end so some transfer cases dont have a speedo drive

 

Go with whatever one you want. I was just saying that a lot of the reason to upgrade to an NP 205 is for the strength. I did in my other truck, but lost some low range. If you need it for the strength, then the AOD should be at least heavily upgraded as well. If you are starting from scratch, then it is one thing, if you are looking to simply replace and look for a little upgrade, I would either stick with the NP 208 or maybe a Borg Warner 1345 (I believe some had the speedo drive gear in the tail housing). I was looking into the NP 205 swap, but decided I did not need it and it is about 5 inches different in length (I forget if it is shorter or longer) so at the very least, you would also need either a shortened rear driveshaft or a new one.

 

In other words, if you are looking to brag to the other 4 wheelers that you have a "205 transfer case" and they ask you what tranny you have and you say a "AOD" they are going to laugh. Like the other posters said, the AOD is not considered a strong tranny. The 205 is overkill for anything but hard core off roading. The other transfer cases are lighter and strong enough for most people, and the AOD is the smart choice for this day and time with high gas prices, but not for hard core off-roading.

 

The only reason I was goin towards the 205 because of its dependability. The AOD is weak but I need it for gas milage.

From what yall are sayin the easiest one to put in would be the 208 since it's newer and was more widely used. Is their any weak points in the case that I should look for when getting one?
Do yall have any idea when they took the speedo gear out of the transfer cases and put it in the rear end? I need one with the speedo gear in the case since it's for an 86.

 

The 205 will work, but, the chain drive cases are more common, just as reliable, and with a chain in good shape, just as strong. They also have a nicer low range. Also, you can't run long tube headers in the 80+ chassis with a 205, as the front driveshaft ends trying to take up the same space, as the 205's front output is closer to the center line of the truck.
They went to the electronic speedometer in 92, so any t-case from a 91 or older will work.

 

Alright sounds good.

 

On a side note, if you are looking fot the mileage, the NP 208 or BW 1345/1356 would be a better choice as they are aluminum/magnesium (1356 I believe) and use ATF as a lubricant (less drag). Of the 3 I mentioned the 1356 is probably the best as it has internal oil pump and a strong case, but they also came ni a slip yoke version and fixed yoke, so make sure to get the right one. I think they are probably going to be hardest to find with the speedo drive gear as they were a later model case. All of them are pretty good though.