208 vs 205 ?
 

If you had your choice which transfer case would you choose and why? 208 or 205.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

For a DD/Very mild wheeler The 208 is fine. It is simply a light duty case. If I plan to do any off roading, or have a heavy truck, the 205 is the way to go.

I have a 208 in my truck because it isn't a hardcore off roader, and it isn't a very heavy truck. As well, the 208 has a deeper reduction then the 205. For me, the extra reduction is handy for when plowing season rolls around...

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

The 208 is nice cause of the low range. Also if yah have to take it out you can almost do it with one hand, light weight.

The 205 is a great case, but heavy!!!! Low range isn't the greatest, reason why some go with a doubler.

Really depends what you want to do with the truck.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

205 is 1.96:1, weighs 140-150lbs. Cast iron case, large gears, tough as hell.

208 is 2.61:1, weighs under 80-90lbs. Aluminum case, light duty.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

Alternatives might be a 205 w/ a 203 front section (doubler) as mentioned above, or a Dana 300.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

I don't think I'd trust a Dana 300 in a fullsize. Doubler would be the way to go if you need the deep low range.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

Some good info guys! Thanks!

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

So it sounds like in a light duty every day driver the 208 would be better! Correct?

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

Yes. If you use a 205, and don't use 4wd alot, the shift rails can rust in one spot and not work. I bought a 1 ton to part out, and that happened. It was a plow truck left in 4wd all the time, rusted in gear. Truck is a tuna an by now, but still have the t-case in my storage, has oil soaking into for the past two years, still stuck in 4wd high.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

208s do the job in most cases,but the 205 is far superior. In my 40 years on 4 wheelin' I've never felt the 205 ratio wasn't sufficient. The only need for a doubler is for rock crawling,which I never do.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

I went for a truck with the 205 as I have the SM465 pushing it the extra gear reduction is not needed. Another thing the 205 can do with a kit and no internal mods is allow you to have 2hi 2low 4hi 4low but it adds a second stick into the cab to move. If you do internal mods you can have the front axle go into gear and have the rear in N. This is handy on big trucks on small trails for you to do what is called a front dig.

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

Yea a 208 should be fine for what your going to use it for. I have ran both and they both have there pros and cons. They 208s though have only been in lighter rigs and not wheeled as hard or lifted as much. What exactly are you looking at as far as buying a truck or doing a build on?

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

My truck is a 71 short bed 4x4,it has a 700r4 and the 208 that was installed by the previous owner. I really haven't had the chance to drive it much except for around the block a few times.The 700r4 isn't really adjusted properly so it is hard for me to judge it yet.I was just wondering if I wind up not liking the 700r4 and want to swap for a 350,should I keep the 208?The truck would just be a fun driver,maybe some local hunting and fishing trips!

Re: 208 vs 205 ?
 

I would keep it cause it will bolt to the 350 with no mods at all. I had a 208 in my 82 and loved it, the truck drove nice and pushin snow was easy with the lower gears.