Cheating with full-time FWD
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 167
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From: Kansas
Cheating with full-time FWD
My truck has an odd setup. Previous owner took the full-time hubs to put on his dad's Jeep, and put some lock-outs on what is now my truck, which as an NP 203 t'case. Although I'm having no problems with the t'case, I know it is killing what little fuel mileage I can get out of this truck. I also know, from when I had to replace a spindle, that if the hubs are unlocks, the t'case has to be locked in to provide drive to the rear wheels.
Here's my thought, what do you all think. If I unlocked the hubs, and locked the t'case, doesn't it seem like I would get better mileage (albeit marginally) and lessen the work-load on the drive chain? I can't think of any harm that would come of this, and it would be easier on the tires and front drivetrain as well. I had to drive it like this for about a week, and mostly drove my other truck at that time, but it seemed fine.
This would be a temporary fix until I get the adapter kit for my double t'case, or until it is snowing, which would likely come first.
What do you all think?
Matt
Here's my thought, what do you all think. If I unlocked the hubs, and locked the t'case, doesn't it seem like I would get better mileage (albeit marginally) and lessen the work-load on the drive chain? I can't think of any harm that would come of this, and it would be easier on the tires and front drivetrain as well. I had to drive it like this for about a week, and mostly drove my other truck at that time, but it seemed fine.
This would be a temporary fix until I get the adapter kit for my double t'case, or until it is snowing, which would likely come first.
What do you all think?
Matt
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 17
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From: Southern Michigan
Cheating with full-time FWD
You should be OK. I drove my 203 transfer case like that for about a year (couldnt afford the part time kit). Yes you will reduce wear and tear on the front tires since they are not being powered with the hubs unlocked. I also removed the front driveshaft for 2 reasons, The slip yoke was worn out and at highway speeds you ccould feel vibrating the whole front end, second was that I figured the less rotating mass under power the better the fuel mileage would (could, might?) be a little better. I dont think that you will have any problems with the T-case.
Good luck with your project!!
Andy
Good luck with your project!!
Andy
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1
From: Des Moines, Iowa
Cheating with full-time FWD
go get the part time kit for it, i have it on my 203 and it works great. you get 2wd hi, 4wd hi, and 2wd low 4wd low. workd like any other t-case, i can un lock the hubs and have it in high and the front drive shaft won't turn. you get a little better gas mileage with it, just like any othe part time 4x4.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Cheating with full-time FWD
A buddy of mine has a 79 Plymouth Trailduster (identical to a Ramcharger for those who don't know) He has full time 4wd with the 203 T-case. He wants to install some kind of locker or posi units in it. Would he be able put lockers in the front and rear? there are no manual hub conversion kits available for his front end.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 851
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Cheating with full-time FWD
The way his is setup I'd go with the locker out back and a LS upfront. Since the LS allows more slip then the locker will. If locker front and rear he'll have a hard time turnings or take a acre to turn it. Then if he wants locking hubs on the front why dont he just rob the Spindles from a dodge with manual hubs? If it has the Fullsize dodge wheel bolt pattern he can rob spindles from a Ford since they use the same 5 0n 5.5 bolt pattern
