np203 conversion or np205?
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np203 conversion or np205?
i know there have been a ton of posts on this subject and i've read through them, but i need more info. would i be much better off finding an np205 and putting in hubs than converting my np203 to part time 4 wheel drive? what would be the average cost of each, and will an np205 bolt right up towhat i have now leaving me to just change the hubs? one final question: will there be a noticeable difference in gas mileage, power, ride?
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np203 conversion or np205?
lilpig,
My choice would be to go all the way and convert to the NP205. I have not done the swap myself so I do not know if they both mount the same and are interchangeable but I would guess that they are close. You might however have to adjust drive shaft lengths. You will get better gas mileage with the 205 because the front differential, axles and drive shaft will not be driven by the engine unless you shift the transfer case into four wheel drive. Married transfer cases are bolted directly to the back of the transmission. Divorced transfer cases are mounted by themselves a little ways back from the transmission and are driven by a short drive shaft from the transmission.
My choice would be to go all the way and convert to the NP205. I have not done the swap myself so I do not know if they both mount the same and are interchangeable but I would guess that they are close. You might however have to adjust drive shaft lengths. You will get better gas mileage with the 205 because the front differential, axles and drive shaft will not be driven by the engine unless you shift the transfer case into four wheel drive. Married transfer cases are bolted directly to the back of the transmission. Divorced transfer cases are mounted by themselves a little ways back from the transmission and are driven by a short drive shaft from the transmission.
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From: brimfield township,OH
np203 conversion or np205?
This kinda depends on what truck you have. divorced cases came on the older trucks. They have the transfer mounted behind the trans. about a foot with a driveshaft in between. Married transfer is bolted directly to the back of the transmission. A part time conversion is only about $100. It's not hard to put in. If you go with a 205 case, it has to have the same spline as your 203 which I'm almost positive it doesn't. 205 is gear driven and almost indestructable. 203 has a chain in it that gets sloppy. Putting in a divorced case would be a lot of wor plus the burden of an extra driveshaft.
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np203 conversion or np205?
thanks so far. the truck is a '76 f150 (360) if that helps at all. i've heard that the np203 won't get properly lubed if i do the conversion? is that true. would i just have to drive with the hubs locked every once in a while then?
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From: brimfield township,OH
np203 conversion or np205?
I would buy a good part time kit for it. I've put a bunch of them in fords and chevys and never had a problem. Be sure to get a kit with all steel lockouts that don't have a plastic dial in the middle. Those are junk. Drive with the hubs locked(not the transfer case) for a couple of miles every few months. This will lube the ring&pinion and carrier bearings.
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From: Kansas
np203 conversion or np205?
lilpig, I've been going back and forth on the same questions for over a year now. Bought a 76 F150 with a 360, C6, and NP203 in it. Owner gave me an NP205, sans shifter, out of a buddies Bronco. I've looked into the kits, and have heard/read all the same things as you. I was TOLD that the output shafts have the same spline, but you'll get as many answers as you ask people. I'm still vexed by this, and can't decide. I'd like to put in the 205 for the strength, mileage, and reduced wear, but finding the shift lever is nearly impossible. And, you will have to change driveshafts (front might work, but rear will need to be longer). Best of luck to you, and keep us all informed on what you decide. I'm especially interested, since I have a clone of your truck.
Matt
Matt
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