The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > All 4x4 Tech & Off Roading

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-07-2010, 10:10 AM   #1
Mil-Spec
Registered User
 
Mil-Spec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 109
Newb 4x4 Questions

Hey guys.

I picked up my 1st 4x4 truck back in Nov. It's a '79 K20 Suburban. The recent snow we recieved here in Ohio (13 inches in some places) has been the 1st real time I got a chance to used the 4x4 function. It felt great and had a real good connection to the unplowed surfaces.

A couple of questions I had after driving around with the 4x4 engaged:

1. When I turn the wheels tight in either direction, while moving forward I feel the frontend jerking or what feels like binding. Is this normal for these straight axle trucks?

2. When not using the 4x4 function and with the hubs not locked. Is it hurting anything by leaving the transfer case in Hi-loc? I know the know the knob on the shifter handle says Lo-Loc, Lo, N, Hi, Hi-loc, but it doesn't feel like I have that many detents or selections. Should it definately be in "N" when not using 4x4?

Thanks
__________________
SEMPER FORTIS

U.S. NAVY 97-05
USAF 94-97
Mil-Spec is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 11:10 AM   #2
Chevy1TonFun
Grease Monkey
 
Chevy1TonFun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Fresno CA
Posts: 750
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Yes, it is normal for a more aggressive grabbing when your steering clocked to the right or left.

Second, all drive power goes through the transfer case. In your case it is a NP203. So if you were to put your t case in N it would be the same as putting your transmission is N. As for Hi vs. Hi-loc, I am not familiar enough with the 203 to know what the recommended gear setting. My guess would be Hi.
__________________
Tow Rig: 2012 Chevy 2500HD CCSB LTZ Z71 4x4 Duramax
Ultimate Offroad Build: 1978 Chevy Silverado K30 Crewcab Build Link http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=654053
Mud Truck: 1972 Chevy Cheyenne K30 4x4, 468/400/205, D60/D70HD, 18" Custom Lift, 17x39" IROKs
FOR SALE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ton-4x4&cat=12
Chevy1TonFun is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 11:24 AM   #3
msgross
Registered User
 
msgross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Hubs locked? do they have locks on them? unless someone did a conversion then it should have smooth caps over the front hubs.

My 79 blazer had a 203 transfer case (sounds like yours does). Do some reading on the NP203, it's a full-time 4WD case that is always able to turn the front or rear wheels. When you put it in Hi-loc then it's a real 4 wheel drive truck.

The sharp turns in 4WD should be avoided on dry ground,

here is some info
http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/howto/47538/index.html
__________________
The Garage:
1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit"
1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig"
1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else"
1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie"


My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"
msgross is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 12:58 PM   #4
Mil-Spec
Registered User
 
Mil-Spec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 109
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Thanks Rid'in High and msgross.

I'm just starting to become familiar with these trucks, so that's why I'm deferring your guy's knowledge.

It has WARN hubs on it now. I supposed it could have been converted. The Suburban was refurbished and used by a local Fire Dept in 1990 and then sold off in 2003. It even still has the Lights & Siren.



From the factory it would of had smooth caps on the front? The only 4x4 versions of these trucks that I've had exposure to have been the CUCVs which also had locking hubs.

Thanks for the link, I'm gonna start reading after I send this reply
__________________
SEMPER FORTIS

U.S. NAVY 97-05
USAF 94-97
Mil-Spec is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 01:58 PM   #5
msgross
Registered User
 
msgross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

my 79 Blazer had smooth covers on the hubs... it could have been converted then.

With the hubs unlocked and the TC in Hi will the truck move? If not then it only had a hub change and not a TC upgrade. If it has to be in Hi-loc to move then that would also support that idea.
__________________
The Garage:
1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit"
1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig"
1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else"
1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie"


My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"
msgross is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 02:05 PM   #6
Benelli
Watchin the rust grow
 
Benelli's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Western Nebraska
Posts: 950
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Theres the chance that the PO could have just put in the hubs and not converted the t-case. I've seen it a few times.

To find out, unlock your hubs, slap your t-case in Hi and see if it'll spin the rear tires when you floor it with the brakes on. I would do this on gravel so it's easier on your tires.

If it spins the rear tires then it has a part time kit and you NEED to drive it in four wheel drive once every fill up or you'll burn up your transfer case.

If it just makes noise and doesn't move then it should still be full time 4wd and you might as well leave the hubs locked because they're not doing anything.
__________________
1979 Chevy K10 (H/D Front end) - 350 w/ Holley Truck Avenger, Weinald Intake manifold, headers, bored .060 over, mild cam, Built up TH350 (TranStar Shift kit) with a part-timed NP203 t-case SOLD ($3,000)
1997 Chevy Silverado 1500 - 4.3 vortec, extended cab, 21 highway MPG, stock. "Red" SOLD ($3,000)
1987 Toyota 4wd Pick-up - work in progress, future DD SOLD ($1,850)
1998 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 5spd Quad cab - old 12 valve with some work done
2004 Chevy Silverado - Black, 4x4, 5.3L, stock for now

Underneath that rust is a heart of gold
Benelli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2010, 02:49 PM   #7
cowboymike51
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ordway, co
Posts: 16
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

my brother has a 79 chevy pick up and it has a granny 4 speed in it, with a 205 trasnfer case and warn lock out hubs up front and it is all stock.
cowboymike51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2010, 01:13 PM   #8
Mil-Spec
Registered User
 
Mil-Spec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 109
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

It has been converted.

I flipped down the sunvisor yesterday and found a 4 placards. Two appear to be factory applied, 1 about the emmisions with an image of a catalitic converter on it and the other stating that the truck is a full-time 4x4 and goes on to give instructions on how to use the T-case selections.

Next two appear to be applied later. The 1st one is about the WARN lock-outs and their usage. The 2nd is a placard stating that this vehicle has been converted to part-time 4 wheel drive by DOUG NASH EQUIPMENT of Franklin, TN.

Does anyone here know more about DOUG NASH EQUIPMENT and what all is involved in their conversion process?

I plan to call the F.D. that used the truck and ask them if they had the conversion done or if it was a PO or the dealer. I'll post pics of the placards after work.
__________________
SEMPER FORTIS

U.S. NAVY 97-05
USAF 94-97
Mil-Spec is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2010, 02:33 PM   #9
ghettoluxury
Registered User
 
ghettoluxury's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Waynesfield Ohio
Posts: 1,991
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benelli View Post
If it has a part time kit and you NEED to drive it in four wheel drive once every fill up or you'll burn up your transfer case.
I have been running 203's with part time kits for years and have never heard such a thing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mil-Spec View Post
It has been converted.

Next two appear to be applied later. The 1st one is about the WARN lock-outs and their usage. The 2nd is a placard stating that this vehicle has been converted to part-time 4 wheel drive by DOUG NASH EQUIPMENT of Franklin, TN.

Does anyone here know more about DOUG NASH EQUIPMENT and what all is involved in their conversion process?
Doug Nash made the part time shaft as well as Mile Marker (who is the only one still producing this part). If you look at the back side of your transfer case ther is a round cover on the lower portion this is removed to access the shaft that is changed out.
__________________

1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71

Last edited by ghettoluxury; 02-11-2010 at 02:34 PM.
ghettoluxury is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2010, 02:51 PM   #10
Mil-Spec
Registered User
 
Mil-Spec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 109
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benelli
If it has a part time kit and you NEED to drive it in four wheel drive once every fill up or you'll burn up your transfer case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ghettoluxury
I have been running 203's with part time kits for years and have never heard such a thing.
Actually interestingly enough the DOUG NASH placard does state that the 4WD should be used atleast once a week.

Wish i had realized this before, but it seems to work fine so far.
__________________
SEMPER FORTIS

U.S. NAVY 97-05
USAF 94-97

Last edited by Mil-Spec; 02-11-2010 at 02:55 PM.
Mil-Spec is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2010, 03:44 PM   #11
msgross
Registered User
 
msgross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 12,201
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

I also "heard" that Mile marker bought the Doug Nash design and is the only one selling the conversion.
__________________
The Garage:
1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit"
1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig"
1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else"
1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie"


My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"
msgross is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-14-2010, 11:08 AM   #12
Mil-Spec
Registered User
 
Mil-Spec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 109
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Just getting around to uploading these pics for anyone who might be interested.

Placard for a long since gone catalic converter.


Full-Time 4x4


WARN Lock-outs


Doug Nash Equipment & Enineering (DNE2)
__________________
SEMPER FORTIS

U.S. NAVY 97-05
USAF 94-97
Mil-Spec is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-28-2010, 08:26 PM   #13
70jimmy
Registered User
 
70jimmy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Darlington SC
Posts: 115
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Please note that you must be a supporting member to post classified items. This includes but is not limited to What Its Worth, Want To Buy, Want To Trade, and For Sale. Please consider supporting the forum by subscribing. Further information on the subscription levels available are located here

If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help.
__________________
1972 CST Blazer 350/350/205 tilt, ac, white with blue highlander plaid interior
1972 CST Jimmy 350/4speed/205 med red with black interior
1972 K20 Custom Deluxe 350/4speed/205 white/ochre/white/ochre
1972 CST Blazer 350/350/205 tach, ac, warn 5687 winch, light yellow with saddle interior
1972 CST Jimmy 350/4speed/205 dark olive with olive interior

Last edited by LONGHAIR; 02-28-2010 at 09:15 PM.
70jimmy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2010, 03:21 AM   #14
84 400
Sb 400 club
 
84 400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NH / MA
Posts: 2,746
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Okay here you go. Mile marker bought the doug nash rights in the late 90's. Mile marker is currently one of if not the only company still making this kit. Being a doug nash you have the best kit available at the time... The full shaft replacement kit!!!

You should be in 4 hi while driving on the street.

here is your old shift pattern for the transfer case
lo loc
lo
n
hi
hi loc

and now
4 wheel low
2 wheel low
N
2 wheel high (street driving)
4 wheel high

here is the original install instructions provided by a fellow board member
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=doug+nash

here is a vid i made about how to install and remove the kit. IT might help give you a better understanding
__________________
1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD)
77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363
1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225)
1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed
1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed

1985 C10 LWB Sold
1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out
1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out
84 400 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2010, 08:37 PM   #15
OrrieG
Registered User
 
OrrieG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

I converted my 203 with a Doug Nash shaft in 1985. I had the rest of the transfercase freshened up at the same time (new chain and chain gears, every thing else was ok). I drove it as my daily driver until 1998 averaging about 6-8k miles per year. I did not do anything special between the regular snow we used to get, fall hunting and summer camping trips 4wd got used at least once a month. This build I pulled the chain cover and found everything looks ok, buttoned it back up an expect to use it the same way when I get back on the road. If yours does not get driven off road often then you probably should exercise the hubs and tranfercase once a month or so, but not on asphalt. I suspect the once a week or every fill up warnings are just ways for manufacturers to void warranties.
__________________
1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread
1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver)
Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project
OrrieG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2010, 08:57 PM   #16
winchster
Registered User
 
winchster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 220
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

Quote:
Originally Posted by OrrieG View Post
I suspect the once a week or every fill up warnings are just ways for manufacturers to void warranties.

Actually, it is for the health of your transfercase. My research and in my travels to discover all I can about my new ride has led me to the following opinion, that seems to be widely held around the 4x4 community:
If you didn't have any problems then you were lucky. The oil pickup only functions as a result of shaft rotation. It is recommended on a daily driver to lock the hubs and drive to work once a week.
__________________
'49 AD 5 window deluxe cab sitting on a '78 K5 chassis

Support our troops, stand behind 'em or get in front of 'em.

What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?
winchster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2010, 03:16 AM   #17
84 400
Sb 400 club
 
84 400's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NH / MA
Posts: 2,746
Re: Newb 4x4 Questions

you do not need to lock the hubs to drive the front shaft. simply shifting into 4x4 with the hubs unlocked will turn the front output spinning the oil pump. Thus it can be done on dry pavement since power is not reaching the tires. So if you want to fallow the sticker to a "T", shift it into loc position after fill up. you will hear some noise since the front shaft is spinning but if your hubs are working right it will not hurt the axle joints, stretch your chain or other related parts.

Also for those who installed the hubs and not the part time kit this is not the way to go. It will cause premature wear on bearings. With out force back on the front output over a prolonged period of time slop will develop.
__________________
1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD)
77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363
1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225)
1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed
1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed

1985 C10 LWB Sold
1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out
1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out
84 400 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:59 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com