I am looking at getting an NP435 very cheap from a U-pull-it yard for a swap into my 76 Bronco. Is there an easy or good way to tell if it needs to be rebuilt, or if one is better than another? Any input would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

It's a good bet that the fluids have been drain from the vehicle for EPA reasons or I'd say check the fluid for metal particles. If the engine is still installed but able to rotate (no plugs and still lubed in someway) I'd check to see if it shifts into every gear, rotate the yoke after each shift in both directions, feel for any substantial grinding or lack of rotation keeping in mind it is fluidless so it may be sticky and it's connected to an engine. You may have to pull it out first before checking this. Take some WD-40 or other "nockerloose" to free up anything sticking. This may also help to show that your synchros in 2, 3,& 4 are bad if the shifter pops out as you rotate it or won't let you shift into the gear.

Then I'd pop the floor panel in the vehicle and take off the shifter cover. Take a look at the shift forks for wear. Look at your gears for rounded edges or missing teeth. The NP435 I have has a PTO cover on the passenger side. If this one does I'd remove it and take a look in it for odd signs of wear.

A lot of this depends on how the vehicle is setting and if your able to rotate it while it's in the vehicle. Remember your flashlight and all the tools (wrenches, ratchets, screwdriver and a friend) It may take you a half a day to check it thoroughly.

Hope that helps...

-Kerry