How bad is the NP208?

[99-LS1-SS]

I see everyone thinks the NP205 is a very good transfer case. Is the NP208 junk? What are its weaknesses?

[special-K]

They're not bad at all. They have powered millions (I think that many) of 4wds over and through whatever any other transfer case has for a few decades. They are a modernized and I suppose economized (one in the same these days) incarnation of earlier designs,such as the NP205. For me,I grew up with cast iron cased gearboxes such as the NP205 and didn't like seeing the new lighter designed versions coming out. Back in the mid-70s when this began,I was an older 4wd guy and saw all the new trucks the newbies were running out and buying as cardboard and plastic with emissions-chocked engine and light duty drivetrains. The test of time has proven these trucks as pretty solid and reliable. But,I still prefer the old bulletproof stuff. There's always going to be a lot of ego driven macho opinions and hype about what's better,what's junk,what's a boat anchor,etc. These are usually the ones with something to prove. But,those who know what they've got and are confident with that know what does the trick is all that counts. I'm a Dana 60/full-floater/NP205 kinda guy from way back before the magazines caught on because I just like tough...even if it's more than needed. Almost all GM CUCVs run NP208s.

[Zane M]

The 208 isn't junk, but it isn't as strong as a 205.
The 208 will last a lifetime, depending on your intended use of the truck. If like the majority of people that bought GM 4X4s over the years, you will be driving the truck on pavement more than off road, and will not be hard core off roading, the 208 is fine.
If you really want to get after it on the trails, a 205 is a preferred upgrade.

[landy]

I'd agree the 208 is a good case. I had one in my 3/4t Burb with 4 speed without any problems. The 208 is an aluminum case and uses a chain, which isn't as stout as the all gear cast iron 205 case. However, it is lighter and does has a lower low range, around 2.6 vs. 2.1 of the 205, I think, which is advantageous.

A cause of problems with the 208 was that drivers would put gear oil in them instead of the required ATF, which would shorten their live span considerably.

[Rubble]

I have both 205 & 208, put lots of miles on both,used 4wd on both lots too,not hard core use,but normal 4wd,no problems on either.I have pulled both cases for other reason,not the cases fault & the 208 is WAY nicer to bench press in and out!! Bought a low budget tranny jack,that helped a lot too.Like was posted before,correct lube makes a big difference too.
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[LONGHAIR]

The 208 is ok. The disadvantage is the "slip-yoke" style out-put shaft. Most of the other (older) t-cases have a solidly mounted out-put and the slip-joint in built into the driveshaft itself. If you go lifting and/or off-roading, that becomes a limiting factor. There are "eliminator" kits to convert it though, if you want to keep the 208.

[Auctioneerhere]

Use it if you have it, they work well for most applications.

[72BBCK20]

The 208 is a great case, I ran it in two different snow plow trucks and never had any problems as long as the ATF is always topped off. I like the fact that it can shift from 4hi to 2hi and 2hi to 4hi on the fly. And the rear slip yoke ain't even that big a deal unless you running it in a short wheel base truck like the blazer with 4'' and more of lift.

[chevak20]

The np205 is heavy compered to the np208, does anybody know by how much?

[CrewCab59]

Originally Posted by chevak20

The np205 is heavy compered to the np208, does anybody know by how much?

Np205 = 138lb
Np208 = 80lb

[special-K]

You can shift between 4-Hi and 2-Hi with a 205 the same as a 208. All the modern transfer cases have slip-yokes. As mentioned,it's only an issue when a vehicle is lifted and a lot of droop occurs...mostly K/5s,but it depends on how high on anything. Also mentioned is there are slip-yoke eliminator kits. To me,the biggest drawback to slip-yokes is you can't run with the driveshaft removed...like when you roach a rear,u-joint,or damage driveshaft and could still get out of the back country (or home) on the front driveshaft.

[76k10]

Originally Posted by special-K

You can shift between 4-Hi and 2-Hi with a 205 the same as a 208. All the modern transfer cases have slip-yokes. As mentioned,it's only an issue when a vehicle is lifted and a lot of droop occurs...mostly K/5s,but it depends on how high on anything. Also mentioned is there are slip-yoke eliminator kits. To me,the biggest drawback to slip-yokes is you can't run with the driveshaft removed...like when you roach a rear,u-joint,or damage driveshaft and could still get out of the back country (or home) on the front driveshaft.

Why can't you run with no driveshaft? Cut up a drink bottle, plug the hole to keep fluid from escaping and go.

[Redcap]

For the average driver, they are fine. However, NP208s don't like big power and large tires. I have grenaded a couple and have witnessed the death of a few others.

[72BBCK20]

Originally Posted by special-K

You can shift between 4-Hi and 2-Hi with a 205 the same as a 208. All the modern transfer cases have slip-yokes. As mentioned,it's only an issue when a vehicle is lifted and a lot of droop occurs...mostly K/5s,but it depends on how high on anything. Also mentioned is there are slip-yoke eliminator kits. To me,the biggest drawback to slip-yokes is you can't run with the driveshaft removed...like when you roach a rear,u-joint,or damage driveshaft and could still get out of the back country (or home) on the front driveshaft.

Are you talking about the syncronised version of the 205 regarding the shift on the fly!

[Dale99]

Originally Posted by Redcap

However, NP208s don't like big power and large tires.

Everyones definition of large tires and big power is different. What would you say is the line both power and tires?

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 72BBCK20

Are you talking about the syncronised version of the 205 regarding the shift on the fly!

As long as the hubs are in "lock" you can shift from 2-Hi to 4-Hi. I've been doing it in every rig I've owned.

I've never heard of anyone trashing a healthy 208 before...yes,with big tires and plenty of power. I guess some people can break anything.

Since 208s take transmission fluid I'd still worry about losing fluid even with a plastic bottle stuffed in the yoke's place for very long. My point was that with a 205 you just remove the driveshaft and it can be driven just fine (even if you don't have any drink bottles. I see that as an advantage.

[99-LS1-SS]

The ability to pull a driveshaft out and drive is a very nice option. I guess I'll have to keep a spare water bottle behind the seat.

I know the beast of a 305 with a ground pounding 170 HP isn't going to break it by itself, are 33" tires considered big for that transfer case?

[DirtyLarry]

Nothing wrong with a 208 for an everyday wheeler. I say go for it!

[76k10]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

The ability to pull a driveshaft out and drive is a very nice option. I guess I'll have to keep a spare water bottle behind the seat.

Who doesn't have a spare Mtn Dew bottle when hittin' the trails?

[Mr. 250r]

Although the 241 isn't the exact same as 208 its pretty close and i can tell you how well it holds up to a 6.0/4l80 suburban with 1 tons and 38s here soon =-p although it did hold the high abuse from me and the power monster 350 /joke

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by CrewCab59

Np205 = 138lb
Np208 = 80lb

The last 205 I weighed came in at 156#