Tranny / tcase problem

[Alex V.]

Originally Posted by argonaut

This thread is an interesting read. It is true that the T/C torque mount would be the cause of adapter and bellhousing failures.

I do see that some on here have said they weren't used on 73 and up trucks. I'm wondering about the validity of that statement only because my 73 K20 had the mount. Not to say that someone didn't add it on later, thinking it was necessary. I'm wondering when GM truly did stop using them.

Also, does anyone have a picture of what the alternative torque rod looks like? I've never seen this before.

I have a '74 K10 at the moment that had the T-case side brace. The rear diff. and driveshaft have been replaced, and the trans./T-case mount has been broke clean off and welded back together - being a factory 454 truck, it's easier to figure how this happened than if it had been a 6 cyl. truck all its life, as it is now. I can't say with 100% certainty that the truck came from the factory with the T-case brace, but it sure doesn't look like it was added on. However, the evidence presented here suggesting the driveline is under less stress when the brace isn't there makes sense to me so I'm going to leave it off.

FWIW, originally the truck was a 454/auto (currently has a TH350, not sure if it's original or not) with an NP205 and a few HD suspension options - shocks and front springs, IIRC.

[jjzepplin]

I ran without that bracket for over ten years beating the he!! out of my drive train with 36" Swampers. I did snap my adapter during a head on 55 mph accident though. When I went to replace it I spoke to a shop that rebuilds t-cases and that's it. They told me the one I had was a weak version. It had a support bearing. They said to get the one without that bearing as the casting was much stronger. I have two now just in case. I have that strut but cannot use it as I have a crawl box. If any one wants it for shipping costs it's free! I will recycle my t-case frame brackets...

[argonaut]

I'll take you up on the strut.

[72BBCK20]

This is an interesting topic, I am currently in the final steps of a 72 K20 build with car 427BBC/NV4500/6 bolt round pattern NP205. the powertrain is mounted to an 86 K30 motor and transmission crossmembers with 86 motor and trans mounts. I also installed the tcase to frame bracket. Should I remove the side T/C mount without adding anything else in place? Is this not to much cantilever weight for the NV4500 aluminum tailhousing? NOW is the time to do something before she's back on the road.

[CrewCab59]

With the 4spd long adapter they tend to be weak to start with.

Those builder t-case supports do more damage than without and mixing poly and rubber.

[72BBCK20]

What about making some sort of "pinion snubber" type of bumper on the skid plate just to support the overhanging weight of the 205 on that aluminum nv4500 tail housing?

[gmc 2500 4x4]

glad i found this thread, i just bought new bushing kit for the t/c bracket on my '69 k20 now im thinkin bout leaving it off>>>>thanx 4 this info

[MIKE77z]

Again old threads save patts. Looking around for thr new bushing stumbled me on to this thread . Bracket is stay in the boxes ramjet 350 700r4 205 in a 69 blazer .

[El Dorado Jim]

great info. thanks for bringing up this old thread, I think my son's truck has the brace on it, It will be removed tomorrow!

[mattfrediani]

How can you tell if your transfer case adapter is cracked? I can't see one but when I come to a stop a hear and feel a clunk under my floor.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by mattfrediani

How can you tell if your transfer case adapter is cracked? I can't see one but when I come to a stop a hear and feel a clunk under my floor.

If yours was cracked, you'd be dumping oil on the ground. With 150 lbs hanging there, once it cracks it's falling off

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by kwmech

If yours was cracked, you'd be dumping oil on the ground. With 150 lbs hanging there, once it cracks it's falling off

The thought of driving around and having that happen gives me chills. Another reason to like my divorced case.