help with driveshaft/T-case issue

[tph]

i recently acquired a shortbox '85 GMC sierra, kid before me replaced the
tranny, but apparently it has a different Transfer case than the original(208??)
because the driveshaft is now to short and hooks up differently than the
original one which i do have, but i have no idea if the original one will mount to the tranny?? or where can i find a driveshaft that will fit? thanks for any help or advice!

[tph]

help please, lol.. i dont know where to start on this issue

[andrewmp6]

First what t case does it have in it now?And its better to have a driveshaft made then try hard to find one that fits.Most big diesel shops will make you a driveshaft for around 300 bucks,But they will want you to measure it so make sure your measurements are right if not your stuck with the driveshaft.

[tph]

thanks for the reply, idk whats in it now? how do i find out? im not really
looking to spend $300 on this ol pickup, thanks so far

[Axle]

[devils advocate mode]
Then you should have bought a ready to drive truck...
[/devils advocate mode]

You got a camera? Take some pictures of the t-case/transmission. We can't give you an answer without sufficient information, at this point, you could have anything under there, including non-gm components.

Alex.

[tph]

i got this truck on a trade deal, so i am trying to get it drivable
and either re-sell it or use it as my beater truck..
the transfer case in the truck has some GM stamping on the cast housing, so its gm
parts, and the previous owner said it was a 350 tranny. i have pics but idk how
to get them on here?? am i right that the aluminum t-case that i have (not in truck)
that was original could be a 208?? it has a tag, the cast one in the truck does
not have a tag... thanks again for the help

[andrewmp6]

Yeah get a few pictures of the t case so we can id it.Being someone swapped it in it could be almost any t case made.

[tph]

since I don't know how to get pics on here I will explain what I have found out so far.
apparently it has the old style cast transfer case in it now, the original one was the aluminum housing.
someone suggested that I look for a driveshaft out of a late 70's short box 4x4 and it should work in mine. ??? I need it to be 46 1/2" from center of u joint to center of u joint.
idk if this helps any of u help me but its all I got for now. thanks in advance!

[79Betty]

It likely had a NP208 aluminum t-case and now has an NP205 i'd guess. It will take the shaft style with 2 normal u joints and u shaped caps that bolt it to the case end. Believe the NP208 was slip yoke?

[tph]

Yes, the aluminum one has a tag that says 208, and u are exactly
right on the style of driveshafts, if i keep the t-case in thats in currently
How do i go about finding a drive shaft that fits? I think we are on the right
Track here and thanks again for the help!

[tph]

Yes, the aluminum one has a tag that says 208, and u are exactly
right on the style of driveshafts, if i keep the t-case in thats in currently
How do i go about finding a drive shaft that fits? I think we are on the right
Track here and thanks again for the help!

[Your41Plague12]

The 208 is a slip yoke. Most likely you have an NP203, if it's attached to a TH350. Most of the NP205's were on 4-speeds and TH400's in 1-ton trucks. However, they do exist in this combination, they're just a lot harder to find. Search for the differences in the NP203 and NP205 and let us know what you have.

[andrewmp6]

The rear driveshaft needs to be from a short bed 4x4 with the same 350 np208 combo.I believe that was 81 only.Might be easier to have the driveshaft you have made to work.

[tph]

But the 208 i have is not in the truck,
I either have the 203 or 205 in it

[Your41Plague12]

Does it have a circular plate on it with three bolts holding it on? If so, it's a 205.

[tph]

This is how it feels to me (no indication on knob)
All the way forward is low and it pulls with front wheels
One notch back is the same
One more notch back is neutral
One more notch feels like all the way and feels like high and pulls with front wheels

[tph]

I'm not sure what you're talking about with the circular plate

[WyattEarp18]

Get underneath the truck and look at the t case from the rear axle. If there's a small round plate with 3 bolrs holding it on you have a NP205. It also sounds like you have a full-time 4wd t case in it.

[tph]

Im not seeing anything round being held on with 3 bolts, guess ingot the 203

[WyattEarp18]

NP203 t cases are slip yoke so picknpull would probably be your best bet.

[tph]

I thought that the 208 was Slip yoke?

[WyattEarp18]

It probably is. But my 79 k20 with a TH400 and NP203 has a slip yoke along with almost every other 203 I've seen.

[tph]

Ok, just when I think I have it figured out i get confused... This one does
Not have the slip yoke?? But it looks just like a 203 i looked up on web??

[WyattEarp18]

Now you're confusing me.

[WyattEarp18]

My bad you're right. NP203 do not have slip yoke. I was thinking 205. Picknpull is still your best bet. Take a tape measure and find one with the same length unless you want to buy one