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Any input on the pros and cons with the longer cast iron t-case adapter or running the shorter aluminum t-case adapter? Looking at strength and is the aluminum strong, and would it be better having the transfer case closer to the trans? Most likely going to be running a 205 case.
Shorter would get my vote if I were starting from scratch.. It would yield a better rear drive shaft angle. But if you already have a long one in the shorter would require a longer driveshaft.
I personally like the cast iron better, the threads for the shifter bolt seem to be tougher (not as likely to be worn out..), but that is really the only reason I swapped aluminum for cast iron.
It is impossible to give an accurate opinion with such little info given about your project- what year truck, amount of lift, type of front driveshaft and intended use please.
Being said...
The aluminum intermediate housing is not weak and rarely breaks as it is the most directly supported portion of the trans/t-case.
Its not a matter of which is better than the other...its a matter of which is better for YOUR build.
I agree with mr. omega, but I have run into two aluminum housings with stripped threads in the transfercase pivot bolt hole, Easy fix with a tig, drill bit, and tap. This is probably not a common problem but worth mentioning.
Yes...information is good.
1960 Ford F250 body going on 1989 F350 chassis. DANA 60 front, 10.25 rear, currently has 4.10 gears, but will change as needed. Tires tbd, but something around 35 inches tall. Power will either be a 521 or 545, have not decided if I want the 4.3 or 4.5 stroke crank in the block. Wheel base will be 118 to 119 inches. It will be driven on nice days to work, and around town, then trailered to the sand dunes to play, and some competitive sand drag racing. As far as the length goes, I will have two new driveshafts done regardless. It is more of a strength thing, if it would be better for the short housing which is aluminum and have that heavy 205 case closer to the transmission, or use the longer adapter and it would be further out, but it is cast iron. That is the two I have now, but if I a different adapter would be better, I could look at that too. Actually I do have access to one other adapter which was a piece from Pathfinder which allowed the 2 wheel drive C6 to bolt to a 205 t-case, but it is even longer.
35" tires (and probably 4" or less lift) wouldnt benefit much from the longer adapter in the front shaft. Its assinine to say "use the short one ao your rear shaft has a better angle" when ita the front that give 99.998% of people trouble.
Im using the aluminum housing with my 521 c6 205 combo in a mud drag application