400/205 question

[Davidmichael]

I have a 8 racetrack chevy 205 and also the adapter to a th400. I have done some research and I have a question. Can I get a 2wd trans, remove the tail and bolt it to the 205? With the correct spline count of course.

[b454rat]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/attachm...3&d=1174708677

[turp mcspray]

That is how my set up is.

[ncgamedog]

You can use a 2wd trans, BUT... The th400 used two different tail shafts (both 2 or 4wd) a long and short version. The earlier versions used a long tailshaft, in both 2 and 4wd. This is the version you will need. The long tailshaft, when coupled to the 205, used a short input gear on the T-case. You will also need this version 205. Since you have a "figure 8" pattern 205 you should have the correct case, provided it originally came behind a th400 or has the short, 32 spline, female input gear.

The later 400's used a short tailshaft and will not work. Im not 100% on the year break, but IIRC, its 1984 and earlier are the longshaft th400s.

Good luck in your search, these parts can be though to find and pricey, sounds like you have the hard part licked though.
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[Davidmichael]

Yeah I picked up the 205 with 350/400/465 adapters for $100 and a drivers side door.


b454rat, the link requires me to log in and I can't.

[ncgamedog]

That's a great deal! Its nice to have all those adapters, but it doesn't guarantee the 205 you have will work with a th400.

Which input gear does your 205 have?

Th350 version has a 27 spline input
sm465 version has a 10 spline male input
Both of the above use a smaller input bearing than the th400 version.

You can convert the small bearing cases to accept the larger bearing, but it requires machining of the case and, of course, a new 32 spline input gear and bearing. Those parts can be obtained from Offroad design or northwest fab. Typically its not worth the hassle to convert one, bc th400 version cases are out there. Usually can be found for 300-500$.
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[Davidmichael]

I just checked out my splines and it's a 27 so it's for a th350. Well that sucks but good. I have a built th350 in my other truck I can rob for now.

[ncgamedog]

Well hate to be the bearer of bad news my friend.

Definitely hang on to that th400 adapter, as they are highly prized in the Offroad world. So long as its a figure 8 pattern ( the round pattern is virtually useless). Just be on the lookout for a 32spline figure 8 case.

Now is your built th350 a 2wd or 4wd version? I think on the 350's you actually have to change the main shaft to convert them to 4wd.
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[Davidmichael]

I am always on the look out for parts. I bought my new suburban just to put this 205 in it. The 350 I have is a 4wd model. It's been off the road for about 6 or 7 years but was running about 6 months ago. It's got a shift kit, and a 68 camaro shifter. It's a bit of an odd ball. No neutral safety switch.