Part two in my quest for an F series 73-79

So far I have received some great advice and knowledge from a couple of members here. As I stated in my other thread, I'm a neophyte when it comes to 4x4 drive trains and what to look for or steer clear of. I now know that open knuckles are best and that two speed transfer is better and fine spline is better than coarse ( I would have thought the opposite thinking strength-wise )

I have a few questions:

1. What size V8's were most common?

2. What other ( if any ) four speed tranny's were used besides the NP 435? What is considered the best/ most reliable/ strongest that was used?

3. What other transfer cases besides the NP 205 were used? What is considered the best/ most reliable/ strongest that was used?

4. What was used for front drive? I've heard Dana 44 and Dana 60. What is considered the best/ most reliable/ strongest that was used?

5. Of all choices what are the easiest to get replaced or repair parts for ?

Thanks, Todd.

A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.

Those that turn their guns into plows will plow for those that do not.

Thomas Jefferson.

 

I'll give these a questions a go (see below). Don't take them for gospel, it's just what I can remember, and I don't remember very well most of the time.

 

That pretty much sums it up.

 

Okay guys. Thanks for the info.

Now for other questions:

1.Is it possible to tell what each is by visual inspection? Does the 60 look different from the 44 on the outside?


2.Do the NP's transfers look different?


3. I know what an NP235 looks like but do the T-18 / T-19 have tell tale images that tell them apart?


4. How can you tell a High pinion D60 from a "regular"? D60?


5. As for engines I know a 390/360/352 when I see them but not too solid on 352 / 400. Pic's I have seen of the 400's look like a 390. Same block?


I'm going to try and find out on my own. Not lazy. Just would prefer deferring to guys that know better.

Thanks again, Todd.

 

1. "60" is cast into the housing gusset near the axletube. Also, the 60 has a 4 bolt cap on top of upper kingpin. Search google images, you'll see the difference.

2. np205 is about 1/2 the size of the 203. the 203 case almost looks like two cases mated together, with the gear reduction box bolted to the rest of the case.

3. NP235 is the only one with an aluminum top cover. All others = t18/t19

4. high pinion=driveshaft enters above the centerline of the ring gear, low pinion= driveshaft enter below the centerline of the ring gear.

5. 400's are easily ID'd. The thermostat housing bolts to the block, not the intake manifold. 400's are completely different than 360/390