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I have a 42 ford 1 1/2 truck that was a snow blower. I want to keep the original flathead v8 and 4spd but change the transfer case to a more modern unit that allows 2wd and hi and lo range. What heavy duty transfer case should I be looking for? Thanks, Greg
Since very few people are going to know what is attached to a 1942 Ford, especially since it could have been changed to anything during the past 60 years, here is what I would do.
Best thing would be a tag or case number on the transfer case and transmission.
Remove the transfer case (assuming it is married), measure the spline and count the teeth. Then measure the mating surface and take a picture. Then upload the same here to your topic.
I'll try to describe whats under this 42 ford. The flathead V8 and 4sp are original behind this is an aux. transmission that further reduces speed, you can think of it as a low range and ultra low range. This aux transmission isn't married to the 4sp. It is connected by a very short driveline. I planned to remove the aux transmission as I believe its unneeded. Behind this a few feet, connected by another driveline is the transfer case. It has a Hi-Lo range but no provison for 2wd. The truck is always in 4wd. What I need is a good strong 2spd transfer case that permits 2wd thats divorced and sends power to the front axle that is offset to the drivers side. This truck has a max speed posted in the cab of 40mph. I would like to increase that to 55-60mph. Thanks Greg
Go with an NP205. These are easy to find as a divorced unit, very heavy duty and Ford versions are set for driver's side offset. All you'll need to do is fab up some brackets/crossmember. Other than that it will bolt right up and give you the option of 4wd or 2wd. You will not have as low a gear ratio as you do now so if that's important to you I would keep the auxilary transmission.
I know they used divorced transfer cases in the early 70's trucks but I can't tell you exact years. If you have a few minutes do a search in the 73-79 forum on divorced t-cases and you'll find it somewhere in there. Call local parts yards too, you should be able to get them fairly cheap ($50-$150 if you search). Local newspaper perhaps to see if anyone is parting out a truck. Ebay also sells them from time to time though shipping sucks due to 160+ pound weight. Just make sure you don't get a Chevy or Dodge case because it will have a passenger's side front output.