4speed and t-case

[too much stuff]

Testing the waters.Looking at buying a 68-72 1/2 ton 4x4 for parts. Has a 4 speed with gear drive transfer case that i won't need. Supposed to work fine, but hasn't moved for about 3 years. Was thinking $350/offer/trades? No shipping.

[1969 GMC]

i'm not interested, but what transmission and transfer case ? the only reason i ask is, it could be one of 2 trannies, and one of 2 transfers. someone might want to know.

[too much stuff]

I haven't picked it up yet, so i can't look now. the tranny is a toploader and he said a gear drive t-case which is cast iron. How else can i tell for sure? May be a few days before i can look as we are heading for -20 degrees!!

[1969 GMC]

oh, well the trannies (SM 420, SM 465) are basically the same...the transfers are both gear drive, but the NP205 is a lot more popular than the Rockwell T221. once you get it, post some pics and we can tell you what you have got.

[DaHateTank]

I paid $250 for a SM465 and NP205, a couple years ago, and then last year, I bought another set, for $50 for the pair.

Prices seem to be all over, but you don't seem too far off.
A junkyard tried to stick me $550 for the pair, but I had to pass on that

What year is it?? I think the '69 up would be the 465/205 combo.

stout pieces.

-Marty

[chevyhouse]

I've got a SM 465 to sell that I've been asking $200ish for so I guess thats in the same ballpark.

[too much stuff]

I am not sure of the year, it has a 68 front clip, but has disc brakes in front. And a 69-72 fender on pass side, gmc tailgate, ETC...Engine supposedly 327 2bbl. I will try to find out more. Is there a tag or part # to look at for a quick ID? (no tag in glovebox either) Eric

[1969 GMC]

you could look for the door jamb plate, and decode the VIN# (if that is still there). but if the frame, axles, engine, and sheetmetal are all from different trucks, it could be impossible to tell what year(S) it is. but if it has a '68 front clip and a 327, i'd venture a guess that its a '68. front discs are one of the most common swaps. take some pics of the trans/transfer and we can tell you.

[too much stuff]

Got the truck home, how can i tell which tranny/t-case it is by looking? It is all in the truck yet. Thanks...

[robby]

If the transfer case shifter is on the left of the tranny shifter it is a Rockwell. On the right should be the NP 205. Isn't that right folks?

[Pont]

I could be wrong but I don't remember GM putting an SM420 in front of a NP205. If reverse if towards the passenger and back towards the seat, it's an SM465 and I would guess that it has a NP205 behind it. If reverse is towards the driver and back towards the seat, then I'm guesing that it has a T221 behind it. An easy ID for a NP205 will be a flat round plate centered towards the rear (about 2" diameter) with 3 bolts holding it on. I don't think the T221 had this plate.

Correct me if I'm wrong guys........

[1969 GMC]

hey Pont, that is pretty much right...I agree, I don't believe the SM420 was ever put in front of the NP205. However, I know the Rockwell was put behind the SM465...because that is how my truck is set up. Here is a pic of the Rockwell transfer case from the rear, the little starburst shaped cover is what I usually ID one by. It has a similar small 3 bolt cover to the NP205. Also, the NP205 has a large aluminum cover on the back...I don't think aluminum had been discovered yet when Rockwells were being made, lol. Another thing, the Rockwell has the large protruding cover for the 2nd rear output (PTO?). Good luck.

[too much stuff]

Thanks guys, It appears that i have a sm465/np205 according to your info. It will be here till spring if anyone wants to make an offer. (cash or trades) I assume the rear driveshaft is different from a 4 speed to an auto?