NP 205 questions

[Livrat]

Jud,
Assuming your talking about the bearing on the sleeve in the adapter between a t350 and the 205. It is the only one I usually find bad, Personally I would replace that one just because, Yes the rest of the bearings rarely ever need replacing unless of course the 205 had been run dry.
I would just do the one bearing and all the seals, make sure to compare the two seals in the adapter with your new ones as I have found there are more than one, I think there is a 1st design and 2nd design version. (not sure which is which)

I think the color is "Red Oxide" as in the old hot rod primer color.

Yup the needle bearings are a pain. I just use grease to hold them all in place.

If you remove the idler gear make sure you have the torque specs when putting the big nut back on, as the end play is crucial, I personally use locktite on the nut.