NP203 questions

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I am getting closer to getting my K20 on the road despite OT at work, and weekend service calls.

I have seen the part time conversions for the 203, but it is worth it. Or should I grab a NP208, and convert for fixed yoke?

Do I need a front drive shaft for my 203 to power the rear of the truck.

I would like a 205, but do feel I would find one at a cost I would be wanting to pay.

[andrewmp6]

Depends how your gonna use the truck and tire size.The 203 is stronger then the 208.As far as the part time kit if you got the money and time to do it go for it.On the front driveshaft im not sure if you need it or no being its full time.

[95 S_Trucker]

The np 205 is not that expensive. there are several on craigslist around here that are 125-250.

[ryanroo]

my plan would be to toss the 203 in a hole somewhere and run the 205. as 95 S trucker said, generally they are not that high priced. and it shouldnt be that hard to find the OEM stuff to hook it to the trans(if its not a 700r4) the next option would be the 208.

if you have a t-case, why not have a front driveline? with a part time kit, it would work with no front driveline. but again, why?

[Redcap]

The NP203 is a boat anchor, best used for scrap weight.

[willett]

If you don't have a conversion kit in your 203 you will need a front driveshaft.

If you have a turbo 400 and a 203 you will need a longer output shaft to fit a 205.


In my opinion a 208 is worse than a 203 due to the weak case. I'm running a part time 203 and I don't mind it for the most part. I really like being able to switch in and out of 4wd while my hubs are locked.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

The np 205 is not that expensive. there are several on craigslist around here that are 125-250.

I have not seen a NP205 go that cheap out here. Plus all I have seen so far have been for a T400 or a 465 tranny.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Depends how your gonna use the truck and tire size.The 203 is stronger then the 208.As far as the part time kit if you got the money and time to do it go for it.On the front driveshaft im not sure if you need it or no being its full time.

I only intend to do mold hauling with the truck, and with stock height tires for better road manners on longer drives.

So a 208, or 241 will be just fine. Plus I see them quite often in the pick a parts around me. Atleast for a 4x4.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by willett

If you don't have a conversion kit in your 203 you will need a front driveshaft.

If you have a turbo 400 and a 203 you will need a longer output shaft to fit a 205.


In my opinion a 208 is worse than a 203 due to the weak case. I'm running a part time 203 and I don't mind it for the most part. I really like being able to switch in and out of 4wd while my hubs are locked.

How do you like the part time kit? I see they are quite cheap to buy them with new hubs.

What do you do to prevent oil starvation to the top of the case when driving?

[bilfman]

To prevent starvation is a five buck fix. Use some half inch pipe stock and make the fill hole two and a half inches higher, this allows you to run the case with enough oil to splash lube the rear case. I ran my 203 like this for a couple years with no issues. All you need is a small nipple, 2 1/2 nipple, a 90 degree and a cap. Remember a 203 does not use gear oil, 10-30 or 10-40 works just fine.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

What about drilling and tapping a hole higher in the case?

[bilfman]

That could work too, but the other is five bucks and ten minutes.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I need to re-seal the case anyways, and I want to do as much in one stop as possible.

Lastly I found a NP203 online for $100 with the part time kit installed. So I emailed him, and hopefully he calls back.

[andrewmp6]

The np208 and np241 are ok in a stock truck,But unless your gonna swap trans to a over drive i would keep the np203 you have now.

[willett]

There are 2
Different part time
Kits:

The cheap one that just wedges the inter axe differential spider gears. Apparently these will fail with heavy usage (aka wheeling a heavy Chevy excessively)

The expensive one that replaces the carrier. These are hard to find as far as I know.

I like my setup. I have the carrier replacement setup and I pound it pretty hard and its awsome to have 2wd even if the hubs are locked. Especially 2wd low range. It's awsome for backing up my steep ass driveway.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

I just got a 203 a bit ago, and I was told it has part time kit installed.

Is there anyway to tell if it does with out dis-assembly such as setting it in gear, and spinning the shaft. Either way it doesn't leak, and cost me $75. This way I can mod the other one at my pace, and get my truck on the road.

Also if I have the kit where do you put the stick to control 2wd mode.