Trans case question-rolling the dice

[SunSoaked]

I'm looking for a "big bearing" NP205. Local craiglist has an add for a 74 4x4 chevy 3/4 ton ($150 or parting it out). He doesnt know what t-case it has. Before investing my time to go look at it, what are the chances its a 205 and having a t-400 w/32 spline shaft?

[Redcap]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

I'm looking for a "big bearing" NP205. Local craiglist has an add for a 74 4x4 chevy 3/4 ton ($150 or parting it out). He doesnt know what t-case it has. Before investing my time to go look at it, what are the chances its a 205 and having a t-400 w/32 spline shaft?

Possible, but the chances are very, very slim.

[BLAZERMAN]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

I'm looking for a "big bearing" NP205. Local craiglist has an add for a 74 4x4 chevy 3/4 ton ($150 or parting it out). He doesnt know what t-case it has. Before investing my time to go look at it, what are the chances its a 205 and having a t-400 w/32 spline shaft?

If its an automatic and original then it would have an NP203
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[Redcap]

Originally Posted by BLAZERMAN

If its an automatic and original then it would have an NP203
Posted via Mobile Device

Unless someone swapped in a later TH400/NP205, yes.

[SunSoaked]

I guess I'm a little confused. I recently turned down a 205 w/27 spline (t350)71 k10)) because I was told the "small bearing versions" were undesireable. So I'm searching for a "big bearing" and not sure if I am looking for certain years or applications? From what I understand the 205 was made into the early 90's?

I'm not too hung up on the input shaft because I plan to rebuild my SM465 and can change shafts to match (at least a 27 spline, not sure about a 32 spline).

Any help on what vehicles to look for is much appreciated.

Thanks

[Redcap]

Most SM465 output shafts are 10spline coarse. Any particular reason you are doing this?

If you are really hung up on a 32spline NP205, the late 80 1-ton crewcabs where the easiest place to find them. Be prepared to pay through the nose though.

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by Redcap

Most SM465 output shafts are 10spline coarse. Any particular reason you are doing this?

If you are really hung up on a 32spline NP205, the late 80 1-ton crewcabs where the easiest place to find them. Be prepared to pay through the nose though.

It just seems that I keep running into 27 spline 205s and instead of switching to a 10 spline, I'm thinking it will be easier (cheaper) to switch the trans shaft to a 27 spline in the course of the rebuild. I am assuming the 10 spline shaft and coupler will be worn. It has 150K on it, but I haven't torn it apart yet. I'm trying to invest my $ wisely. if I have to replace anything, I would like to "upgrade" at the same time.

BTW- The guy confirmed that the 74 has a 205. I am waiting to hear back on what trans it has,as he advertised it was "original". I was thinking since it was a 3/4 ton it might be a T400 and somehow that might mean it has a better (big bearing-27 spline?) configuration.

[Redcap]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

It just seems that I keep running into 27 spline 205s and instead of switching to a 10 spline, I'm thinking it will be easier (cheaper) to switch the trans shaft to a 27 spline in the course of the rebuild. I am assuming the 10 spline shaft and coupler will be worn. It has 150K on it, but I haven't torn it apart yet. I'm trying to invest my $ wisely. if I have to replace anything, I would like to "upgrade" at the same time.

BTW- The guy confirmed that the 74 has a 205. I am waiting to hear back on what trans it has,as he advertised it was "original". I was thinking since it was a 3/4 ton it might be a T400 and somehow that might mean it has a better (big bearing-27 spline?) configuration.

I don't know who filled your head with the "small bearing is undesireable crap", but they are still plenty tough. Also, the NP203 is often mistaken for a NP205. The difference is the small three-bolt cover between the rear output and the rear cover of the front output. The NP203 doesn't have it. Also, good luck finding a 27 spline output shaft for a SM465.

Complete married trans-transfercase units aren't that expensive....you'll likely have more into what you are trying to do rather than just buying the parts you actually want. This doesn't seem like a wise investment, what you are trying to do....

I bought my pair for $100, SM465/NP205...both in good shape.

[mcmlxix]

Unless your going to run 37" tires and go rock crawling, dont worry about the big bearing stuff. If it really bothers you, you can have the transfer case machined for the bigger bearing and upgrade.

ORD (Off Rad Design has some good info on the NP205) Check HERE

[69GWC]

I am looking forward to your swap SunSoaked , as I might be doing this myself sooner then later as my 221 does not have 4wd and is leaking like crazy the more I drive it.

So what's wrong with a 203 TC, ?
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[Redcap]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

I am looking forward to your swap SunSoaked , as I might be doing this myself sooner then later as my 221 does not have 4wd and is leaking like crazy the more I drive it.

So what's wrong with a 203 TC, ?
Posted via Mobile Device

Well, unless converted, they are a fulltime unit. Chain driven and generally regarded as a weak sister to the 205.

[69GWC]

I see , did not know it was a full time unit thanks for that info good to know.
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[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by Redcap

I don't know who filled your head with the "small bearing is undesireable crap", but they are still plenty tough. Also, the NP203 is often mistaken for a NP205. The difference is the small three-bolt cover between the rear output and the rear cover of the front output. The NP203 doesn't have it. Also, good luck finding a 27 spline output shaft for a SM465.

Complete married trans-transfercase units aren't that expensive....you'll likely have more into what you are trying to do rather than just buying the parts you actually want. This doesn't seem like a wise investment, what you are trying to do....

I bought my pair for $100, SM465/NP205...both in good shape.

Thats the impression I got from here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=529954

Thats why I backed out of the deal. I'm starting to reconsider though. $300 for a "newly rebuilt" 205 doesn't sound bad to me, when I see ORD selling them for $850-900?

[Transformula]

Big Bearing refers to the input of the transfer case. It is a bigger bearing because of the larger, 32 spline input of the TH400. The rest of the entire transfer case is the same. You can machine the hole bigger in the case for the bearing and use the correct adapter if you want to use the 205 with a th400.

[SunSoaked]

Drivetrain.com has the following table for the NP205:

Input Spline Data
Year Splines Application
1971 - 1985 10 Manual Transmission
1971 - 1985 27 Behind TH350
1979 - 1985 32 SM465 & TH400

So I'm thinking, buy the 205 and swap the input shaft from the 27 spline too mate it with my 465. I will also need a 465-205 adapter. If I can get these two pieces for $200 or less, I'm into it for $500, which is still almost half the price that ORD is selling them for. Am I not seeing something?

[odog]

I ran into this a while ago. The 465/205 adapter was the issue. I have a 27 spline shaft on a 465 and a 27 spline input bearing on the 205. The shaft on the 465 is LONG, witht the adapter in place, the shaft lines up in the splines of the 205 with out the collar. That was a minor problem. The major problem was finding a 205/465 adapter to fit the input bearing on the 205. The 465/205 adaters I found were too small to fit the bearing. I eventually realized the cost of this out weighed the cost of rebuilding the 420/221 combo so I went that way.

[69GWC]

Where did you find the parts to rebuild the 221.?
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[odog]

I kinda miss spoke there, I rebuilt the 420, the 221 was in good shape so didnt do much to it.

[amoscl]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

Where did you find the parts to rebuild the 221.?
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The bearings are readily available for the T221 from most parts stores. I just went through my T221 and replaced the idler shaft and input shaft bearings. Rock Auto carries them and you can also find the bearings at advance auto parts or oreillys. The key is knowing the bearing part numbers which are listed on Rock Auto's website.

[amoscl]

Originally Posted by 69GWC

Where did you find the parts to rebuild the 221.?
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Here are the part numbers for replacing the bearings/seals

Front idler shaft bearing - Timken/National 02476
Front idler shaft bearing race - Timken/National 02420
Rear Idler shaft bearing and rear output shaft bearings - Timken/National 15126
Rear Idler shaft bearing and rear output shaft bearing race: Timken/National 15245
Output shaft oil seal and adapter oil seal - 472164
Input shaft front bearing – Timken/National 207s
Input shaft rear bearing- Timken/National 206s
Front output shaft bearing (outer) - Timken/National 207L
Front output shaft bearing (inner) - Timken/National 209L