Are there any disadvantages to a divorced transfer case verses a direct mount, other than extra u-joints?





Mark in Toledo
92 Explorer
80 Bronco
76 F250 4x4

 

Only thing I can think of against a divorced case is the driveshaft for the rear, a divorced case will shorten the overall length of the shaft in the rear, no problem for the 250, but if used in the bronco, the rear shaft will be at an extreme angle before any lift is added and cause excessive wear on u-joints and case/pinion bearings. If converting to divorced case, shafts will have to be made for the correct length(sometimes front and rear can be swapped-but not often) may have to use a double cardigan at the case if angles for the shaft cannot be brought into phase(both angles the same at both ends).Also, with a married case, there is less chance of "slop" in the drive train. Chuck P.

 

We had in the late 70s a Ford F250 4 X 4 which has a separte transfer case from the trans, they are joined by a short drive shaft, There is a big problem with this setup, (why ford only made them a couple of years) the angle of the drive shaft to the transfer case is too much and causes ujoint to fail very frequently. We had this on a tow truck that was used for off road recovery only, and this truck would spit out the driveshaft at least twice a year. Unless you can fix the problem with the angle of the shaft, I would stay away from separated units.

Dave

 

The divorced setup in my 76 F250 4x4 has never lost a U-joint. Whan I bought the truck, I noticed how wimpy the drive shafts were. The spline on the rear shaft was pretty worn. I had new 1-ton center and rear shafts made complete with heavy duty yokes that would accomodate 1-ton U-joints. This included swapping all of the mating yokes on the rear end, transfer case, and tranny. This was all done for less than $350. I left the front shaft alone.

At that point, I didn't know about the availability of married units. What are the options are for convaerting to married? The divorced NP-205 transfer case hangs pretty low. Does the married unit sit any higher? Is it the same NP-205 or a different unit?

Jim

 

The joy of a divorced transfer case set up is you can use just about any engine / tranny combination. All you need is to make a new jack shaft.

 

 

I cant determine the year of my hi-boy due to a cab swap. Does yours have cruise and a/c, would appreciate any info on this vehicle . Years of manufacture? Thanks