Help transfer Case stuck in 2 wheel lo - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rickstores69chev · 02-13-2005, 02:44 AM

Perhaps somebody will know or can help me.

I purchased a 1969 4x4 custom cab truck. The lady told me it had a new transmission but did not know why it would only go 50 mph. I drove it and could obviously tell it was in low range. I think it is jammed in 2wd lo. It is hard to get the details of the truck because the significant other who had the work done is no longer around. There is tranny fluid splattered all over the undercarriage. At first I thought maybe this was the problem with the low speed (low on tranny fluid becasue it was leaking out) until I drove it. It shifts through all 3 gears and reverse just fine Accept in low.

I tried to move the levers. The left lever would not move anywhere. The right lever would move backwards a notch which appeared to be neutral. The when pushed forward it would be in lo. I could not get it to move farther either direction to go into hi range.

Is the right lever engaged all the way forward HI range? Then one back towards seat is lo, then all the way back towards seat neutral? I Can only move it forward and backwards. When pushing lever forward it operates in lo range. When pulling back towards seat it is in neutral. The left lever is like froze. I could not make it move either way. Anybody have any ideas on what is going on here. She thought it was the tranny because she remembered the ex having to take the truck in twice because it had problems. They put another tranny in it the second time.

I can not imagine this is a tranny problem since it shifts in all gears. I think we have a transfer case problem. Although I am wondering about the red tranny fluid splatered on the under carriage. It is missing the Shield that covers the torque converter. One thought I had was that she drove the truck at 50 mph in lo range perhaps this got the fluids boiling out.

Let me know any thoughts on this. I am new to 4wd work.

Rick

72 CustomCamper · 02-13-2005, 04:16 AM

The twin stick setup is not stock. I think a 69 should have a rockwell t-case. But the PO could of had a np 205 or even a np 203 installed. If you could take a few pics of the t-case somebody on here could tell you what case it is and be more help...

Chuck

rickstores69chev · 02-13-2005, 11:20 AM

Thanks,

KNowing what type would be a good start for sure. I will snap some pictures. The knobs are pretty small. When I bought it I thought it was odd that the shifters were little stubby. I thought that maybe if the body was lifted a few inches it shortened the levers. Here is a picture I have of the two stubby knobs for what it is worth. No idea what direction they go to do what.

Rick

[/IMG]

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-13-2005, 08:03 PM

If you can't post the pics, email them to me: jimandtamara@yahoo.com

rickstores69chev · 02-14-2005, 04:01 PM

I have not seen any twin stick setup. Really strange. Could a guy have converted an NP205 from single to double stick? And if so what would be the purpose? I suppose you could use it in 2lo that way. Let me know your thoughts. I posted a picture of the twin sticks. I have been offered a np205 with a 350 tranny for $300. The np205 was rebuilt 25,000 miles ago and the blazer was scrapped. He said he ran 3/4 ton running gear with the 205. I may just purchase this setup and get it back on the road. I know to have this one rebuilt once I figure out what it is will more than likely cost that at a minimum to rebuild. BUt, if I have to start modifying things then maybe it is not such a good idea. Thanks for your post. Hopefully, I have not bought a nightmare. I have done lots of mechanical stuff. The 4wd is a little intimidating. But I guess you just have to jump in with both feet.

**JIMs70GMC** · 02-14-2005, 04:10 PM

yes, the 205 is converted too twin stick by rock crawlers. And yes again for 350 not a bad deal.

Bobalouie · 02-15-2005, 03:28 PM

I am not sure which is which on a twin stick conversion, but I do know that one lever will be to change the range (L-N-H), and the other will engage the front axle. It sounds like the PO might have tried to run the tcase in low front wheel drive, and I think that binds them up. This is a shot in the dark, but have you tried locking the front hubs and driving around slowly (less than 5 MPH) and trying to shift out of low?

1969 GMC · 02-15-2005, 05:07 PM

when you modify the 205 to be twin stick, it lets you independently control each axle. so you can have front wheel drive low, rear wheel drive low, or 4x4 low, or whatever you choose. just can't put the front in high and the rear in low...thats when bad things happen.

rickstores69chev · 02-20-2005, 02:42 AM

I think the truck was slightly abused previously. Very possible they ripped some things out. I am going to play arounsd with it before I get carried away with a new transfer case. Cheers!

rickstores69chev · 02-20-2005, 02:43 AM

I will give it a try. I will engage the front hubs and play with it to see what happens.
Cheers!

rickstores69chev · 02-22-2005, 01:35 AM

HEre is my tranny that is stuck in 2wheel lo. Tranny was rebuilt by previous owner. I can get a rebuilt np205 locally. Thinking of buying it. The price is right. Could save alot of troubleshooting with this one.I tried to engage at low speed. NO luck it is jammed in 2 lo. Has twin sticks. Right one moves and the left one does nothing. Can anyone identify the pictures? Thank you. I looked for #'s.

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 01:58 AM

heres the shifting patterns for a twin stick 205

72 CustomCamper · 02-22-2005, 02:03 AM

That's looks like an np 203 full time case. Best thing to do is ditch it and get the 205 but you'll need the trans to tcase adaptor and the adaptor sleeve for your model trans.I have a 203 here that I can get a pic of tomorrow to make sure...

Chuck

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 02:03 AM

be sure that you got them both in the same postion or you will break sumthing ,,,,, both in low or both in high if you just put in low and the other in nutral thats ok the twin stick 250 rules cause theres so much more ya can do with the truck aka like putting the front in low and the back in nutral and hold the brake and turn the front wheels to the right or left and hit the gas and turn the truck around really tight places but be fore warned it takes heavyduty parts to proform that or you will break stuff alot

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 02:06 AM

theres 3 round things on the back of the xfer case does all 3 have bolts or does just 2 of them have bolts ?

if its a203 only 2 will have bolts on there
if its a 205 the center little round cover will have 3 bolts holding on there

72 CustomCamper · 02-22-2005, 02:27 AM

After looking at a pic of a 205 I'm 100% sure thats a 203...

Chuck

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 02:30 AM

yes it is a 203 now that i have my glass's on i can see

twin stick 203 never heard of that one before

rickstores69chev · 02-22-2005, 02:48 AM

Thanks guys. All of the running gear was upgraded. 3/4 ton with brand new driveline for the rear. I can tell the front drive line was welded before. Looks like a rather crappy weld. I could have done better bead weld then whoever did this. Perhaps it is ok. The Vin# shows that is was an original half ton. But it has 8 lug wheels and a nice disc brake setup on the front. TRanny and transfer was a micky mouse job. Here is a picture of the setup I can purchase. It is a 205 with a th350. Should this mount right up? The tranny I have was rebuilt I was told but no proof. Was thinking of bolting my tranny to this np205. Or perhaps just stick this whole new setup in and call it good. I appreciate all your feedback.

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 03:00 AM

make sure to look at the adapter good for cracks they are bad about crackin and breakin there if thay have been treated rough but yes it will bolt right in but you will need the cross braces for a 205 xfer case, does it have the drive shafts with it ? if so get them too you will need them cause the 203 stuff is differant , the rear drive shaft is longer on a 205 and the front driveshaft is differant than the 203 too

rickstores69chev · 02-22-2005, 03:09 AM

Bummer on the drive shaft. They have the front shaft but not the rear. The setup came out of a blazer. The rear drive shaft on my truck is brand new. Still has the bar code. Maybe I would be able to trade it in somewhere. I can also get a 203 setup without the tranny with a 90 day gurantee. I guess this would be the same as what I have now. SOunds like the 205 is a better setup than a 203. Is this a fair assessment?

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 03:15 AM

yes the 205 is far better than the 203 well worth the change in the end the 203 is a chain drive and the 205 is a gear drive the chain in the 203 is the weak link and it wears out and slaps the case and then breaks and theres a buzillions needle bearnings in the 203 hard to rebuild them and the 205 is far easyer to rebuild and if ya still want the twin stick for the 205 go here and look around http://ivanribic.clubfte.com/page2.html

rickstores69chev · 02-22-2005, 03:26 AM

Thanks alot. I will go with a 205. Chain sounds like a bad thing. Perhaps the twin sticks on the 203 I have will work on the 205. Cheers!

**tnblazerk5** · 02-22-2005, 03:33 AM

lol i have no ideal if the twin stick on the 203 will work cause i have never heard of a twin stick 203 before

if the truck is just going to be a daily driver or just used as a truck leave the 205 a single stick if its going to be hard core 4x4 use the twin stick

Bobalouie · 02-22-2005, 12:50 PM

You could just have your rear driveshaft shortened or lengthened. I just had a buddy do that to his jeep, and it was only like 90 bucks to get it done.

rickstores69chev · 03-01-2005, 03:36 AM

Well. Good News. The gear pattern worked that TNBLAZER gave me. Also I managed to get the truck into 2 high after moving the truck back and forth at a low speed. Thanks bobalouie. The Front wheel shifter will not move. I decided to leave it alone until I get the truck to my house. I have a 35 mile drive when I go get it. This IS THE STRANGEST TRANSFER STICKs EVER. I took off a good chunk of skin trying to engage the micro levers with missing knobs. I think I will be happy to can this setup and go with the NP205. Through this all I discovered why the bottom of the engine was coated with oil. The dipstick was missing. I found a whole replacement in the back seat of the truck that someone must have tried to install. It looked like part of the dipstick was grinded away like it had hit the crank or something. I never could find the hole for the assembly to go into. Was not on the drivers side or the passenger side. So any tips, please let me know. Thanks again.

02-13-2005, 02:44 AM	#1
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Help transfer Case stuck in 2 wheel lo Perhaps somebody will know or can help me. I purchased a 1969 4x4 custom cab truck. The lady told me it had a new transmission but did not know why it would only go 50 mph. I drove it and could obviously tell it was in low range. I think it is jammed in 2wd lo. It is hard to get the details of the truck because the significant other who had the work done is no longer around. There is tranny fluid splattered all over the undercarriage. At first I thought maybe this was the problem with the low speed (low on tranny fluid becasue it was leaking out) until I drove it. It shifts through all 3 gears and reverse just fine Accept in low. I tried to move the levers. The left lever would not move anywhere. The right lever would move backwards a notch which appeared to be neutral. The when pushed forward it would be in lo. I could not get it to move farther either direction to go into hi range. Is the right lever engaged all the way forward HI range? Then one back towards seat is lo, then all the way back towards seat neutral? I Can only move it forward and backwards. When pushing lever forward it operates in lo range. When pulling back towards seat it is in neutral. The left lever is like froze. I could not make it move either way. Anybody have any ideas on what is going on here. She thought it was the tranny because she remembered the ex having to take the truck in twice because it had problems. They put another tranny in it the second time. I can not imagine this is a tranny problem since it shifts in all gears. I think we have a transfer case problem. Although I am wondering about the red tranny fluid splatered on the under carriage. It is missing the Shield that covers the torque converter. One thought I had was that she drove the truck at 50 mph in lo range perhaps this got the fluids boiling out. Let me know any thoughts on this. I am new to 4wd work. Rick

02-13-2005, 04:16 AM	#2
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	The twin stick setup is not stock. I think a 69 should have a rockwell t-case. But the PO could of had a np 205 or even a np 203 installed. If you could take a few pics of the t-case somebody on here could tell you what case it is and be more help... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

02-13-2005, 11:20 AM	#3
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Type of Transfer Case Thanks, KNowing what type would be a good start for sure. I will snap some pictures. The knobs are pretty small. When I bought it I thought it was odd that the shifters were little stubby. I thought that maybe if the body was lifted a few inches it shortened the levers. Here is a picture I have of the two stubby knobs for what it is worth. No idea what direction they go to do what. Rick [/IMG] Attached Images Last edited by rickstores69chev; 02-14-2005 at 02:22 PM.

02-13-2005, 08:03 PM	#4
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	If you can't post the pics, email them to me: jimandtamara@yahoo.com __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

02-14-2005, 04:10 PM	#6
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	yes, the 205 is converted too twin stick by rock crawlers. And yes again for 350 not a bad deal. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

02-14-2005, 04:01 PM	#5
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	I have not seen any twin stick setup. Really strange. Could a guy have converted an NP205 from single to double stick? And if so what would be the purpose? I suppose you could use it in 2lo that way. Let me know your thoughts. I posted a picture of the twin sticks. I have been offered a np205 with a 350 tranny for $300. The np205 was rebuilt 25,000 miles ago and the blazer was scrapped. He said he ran 3/4 ton running gear with the 205. I may just purchase this setup and get it back on the road. I know to have this one rebuilt once I figure out what it is will more than likely cost that at a minimum to rebuild. BUt, if I have to start modifying things then maybe it is not such a good idea. Thanks for your post. Hopefully, I have not bought a nightmare. I have done lots of mechanical stuff. The 4wd is a little intimidating. But I guess you just have to jump in with both feet.

02-15-2005, 03:28 PM	#7
Bobalouie Fetzer Valve Technician Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 205	I am not sure which is which on a twin stick conversion, but I do know that one lever will be to change the range (L-N-H), and the other will engage the front axle. It sounds like the PO might have tried to run the tcase in low front wheel drive, and I think that binds them up. This is a shot in the dark, but have you tried locking the front hubs and driving around slowly (less than 5 MPH) and trying to shift out of low? __________________ 1972 Chevy K10 SWB

02-15-2005, 05:07 PM	#8
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	when you modify the 205 to be twin stick, it lets you independently control each axle. so you can have front wheel drive low, rear wheel drive low, or 4x4 low, or whatever you choose. just can't put the front in high and the rear in low...thats when bad things happen. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

02-20-2005, 02:42 AM	#9
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	I think the truck was slightly abused previously. Very possible they ripped some things out. I am going to play arounsd with it before I get carried away with a new transfer case. Cheers!

02-20-2005, 02:43 AM	#10
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	I will give it a try. I will engage the front hubs and play with it to see what happens. Cheers!

02-22-2005, 01:35 AM	#11
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Does this look like a np205/th350 combo? HEre is my tranny that is stuck in 2wheel lo. Tranny was rebuilt by previous owner. I can get a rebuilt np205 locally. Thinking of buying it. The price is right. Could save alot of troubleshooting with this one.I tried to engage at low speed. NO luck it is jammed in 2 lo. Has twin sticks. Right one moves and the left one does nothing. Can anyone identify the pictures? Thank you. I looked for #'s. Attached Images Last edited by rickstores69chev; 02-22-2005 at 01:50 AM.

02-22-2005, 01:58 AM	#12
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	heres the shifting patterns for a twin stick 205

02-22-2005, 02:03 AM	#13
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	That's looks like an np 203 full time case. Best thing to do is ditch it and get the 205 but you'll need the trans to tcase adaptor and the adaptor sleeve for your model trans.I have a 203 here that I can get a pic of tomorrow to make sure... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"

02-22-2005, 02:06 AM	#15
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	theres 3 round things on the back of the xfer case does all 3 have bolts or does just 2 of them have bolts ? if its a203 only 2 will have bolts on there if its a 205 the center little round cover will have 3 bolts holding on there

02-22-2005, 02:27 AM	#16
72 CustomCamper huh ??? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Fredericksburg,Va. Posts: 3,369	After looking at a pic of a 205 I'm 100% sure thats a 203... Chuck __________________ 90 Blazer Silverado 350w/ 700R4 and 32" Kelly's "I am a bomb technician. If you see me running try to keep up!"



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02-22-2005, 02:30 AM	#17
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	yes it is a 203 now that i have my glass's on i can see twin stick 203 never heard of that one before

02-22-2005, 02:48 AM	#18
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Thanks guys. All of the running gear was upgraded. 3/4 ton with brand new driveline for the rear. I can tell the front drive line was welded before. Looks like a rather crappy weld. I could have done better bead weld then whoever did this. Perhaps it is ok. The Vin# shows that is was an original half ton. But it has 8 lug wheels and a nice disc brake setup on the front. TRanny and transfer was a micky mouse job. Here is a picture of the setup I can purchase. It is a 205 with a th350. Should this mount right up? The tranny I have was rebuilt I was told but no proof. Was thinking of bolting my tranny to this np205. Or perhaps just stick this whole new setup in and call it good. I appreciate all your feedback. Attached Images

02-22-2005, 03:00 AM	#19
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	make sure to look at the adapter good for cracks they are bad about crackin and breakin there if thay have been treated rough but yes it will bolt right in but you will need the cross braces for a 205 xfer case, does it have the drive shafts with it ? if so get them too you will need them cause the 203 stuff is differant , the rear drive shaft is longer on a 205 and the front driveshaft is differant than the 203 too

02-22-2005, 03:09 AM	#20
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Bummer on the drive shaft. They have the front shaft but not the rear. The setup came out of a blazer. The rear drive shaft on my truck is brand new. Still has the bar code. Maybe I would be able to trade it in somewhere. I can also get a 203 setup without the tranny with a 90 day gurantee. I guess this would be the same as what I have now. SOunds like the 205 is a better setup than a 203. Is this a fair assessment?

02-22-2005, 03:15 AM	#21
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	yes the 205 is far better than the 203 well worth the change in the end the 203 is a chain drive and the 205 is a gear drive the chain in the 203 is the weak link and it wears out and slaps the case and then breaks and theres a buzillions needle bearnings in the 203 hard to rebuild them and the 205 is far easyer to rebuild and if ya still want the twin stick for the 205 go here and look around http://ivanribic.clubfte.com/page2.html

02-22-2005, 03:26 AM	#22
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Thanks alot. I will go with a 205. Chain sounds like a bad thing. Perhaps the twin sticks on the 203 I have will work on the 205. Cheers!

02-22-2005, 03:33 AM	#23
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	lol i have no ideal if the twin stick on the 203 will work cause i have never heard of a twin stick 203 before if the truck is just going to be a daily driver or just used as a truck leave the 205 a single stick if its going to be hard core 4x4 use the twin stick

02-22-2005, 12:50 PM	#24
Bobalouie Fetzer Valve Technician Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 205	You could just have your rear driveshaft shortened or lengthened. I just had a buddy do that to his jeep, and it was only like 90 bucks to get it done. __________________ 1972 Chevy K10 SWB

03-01-2005, 03:36 AM	#25
rickstores69chev Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 40	Well. Good News. The gear pattern worked that TNBLAZER gave me. Also I managed to get the truck into 2 high after moving the truck back and forth at a low speed. Thanks bobalouie. The Front wheel shifter will not move. I decided to leave it alone until I get the truck to my house. I have a 35 mile drive when I go get it. This IS THE STRANGEST TRANSFER STICKs EVER. I took off a good chunk of skin trying to engage the micro levers with missing knobs. I think I will be happy to can this setup and go with the NP205. Through this all I discovered why the bottom of the engine was coated with oil. The dipstick was missing. I found a whole replacement in the back seat of the truck that someone must have tried to install. It looked like part of the dipstick was grinded away like it had hit the crank or something. I never could find the hole for the assembly to go into. Was not on the drivers side or the passenger side. So any tips, please let me know. Thanks again.

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