Mile Marker NP203 Conversion-Is it worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tink · 11-03-2003, 08:21 AM

The guy I bought my 76 Blazer from had a Mile Marker NP203 4x4 to 2x4 Conversion Kit that he hadn't put in, but gave me with the truck. It claims to give better handling, which I have a hard time believing that 2wd would handle better than something that is practically AWD. It also says it extends drive train life, which I also find hard to believe since you are changing the transfer case and have to put it back into 4x4 regularly so it doesn't go bad.

So, is it worth putting the kit on for 3-4mpg?

**JIMs70GMC** · 11-03-2003, 09:26 AM

Unfortunately the AWD is only if all 4 tires are on the road. The differential in the NP203 functions like an open rear end, least traction=all power. Yes you will have to shift into 4wd w/ the kit but everybody w/ part-time cases should be doing that anyway. The kit basically locks the differential and allow you to select a new 2hi.

smokekiki · 11-03-2003, 09:34 AM

It will handle a little better when making tight ,slow turns,like when parking.You aren't going to get 3-4 miles better in my opinion.I noticed a little better,but not much.It keeps the front axle from rotating and the transfer case.You need to put it in 4x4 a couple miles every 200 or 300,I forget which.Go to www.coloradok5.com look under product revue

blaz72 · 11-03-2003, 09:19 PM

Milage doesnt geet much better only handling diff is slow turing. some kits suck makes less reliable also cant put locking hubs on without kit, with autos park run off frount axle.

Tink · 11-04-2003, 08:18 AM

So, I'm getting the sense that it isn't really worth it...

I think I would only use it if I went with lockers front and rear.

**JIMs70GMC** · 11-04-2003, 08:31 AM

Yea, basically leave it alone unless you need to replace your TC then get a 205 and manual hubs.

Scrub · 11-04-2003, 12:12 PM

I don't have any personal experience with the "Full time" to "Part Time" kits, but from what I know, it is a great improvement. Maybe you have a different kit, but the one I am thinking of allows you to put locking hubs in and disengage the front driveline on the tcase side.
My buddy that does not have the kit in his 203, blows a drive line out every year. Being in 4wd ALL the time is pretty tough on the drivetrain, particularly when you make tight turns.

I had the impression that the "kit" was a great thing as everyone I know that is even mildly serious about 4-wheeling has converted.

Disclaimer(I don't know what I am talking about :-)

good luck

Mudder · 11-04-2003, 12:52 PM

I have the kit in mine and wouldnt drive one without it. Saves wear and tear on all the front end parts. Your truck will be more street friendly. Get a set of Warn or Mile Marker lockouts to go with it.

smokekiki · 11-04-2003, 01:29 PM

The MM kits are good.From what I have heard and have seen,the superwinch kit is not near as good.MM also has a shaft kit that is stronger than the regular kit,but I have not had problems with the regular kit. Mudder67 which kit are you running?

Mudder · 11-04-2003, 01:32 PM

I'm really not sure as it was about 20 years ago that it was installed. Guy down the road installed it for me. I've never had any trouble with it and it was pretty much abused at one time for several years.

Tink · 11-04-2003, 03:06 PM

Since I only drive the truck once or twice a week, I don't think I'm going to use the kit.

I don't have the shaft drive kit, so I am going to sell it (anyone interested?

)... If I decide to go to a part-time conversion later, I'll get the shaft drive kit.

11-03-2003, 08:21 AM	#1
Tink Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,337	Mile Marker NP203 Conversion-Is it worth it? The guy I bought my 76 Blazer from had a Mile Marker NP203 4x4 to 2x4 Conversion Kit that he hadn't put in, but gave me with the truck. It claims to give better handling, which I have a hard time believing that 2wd would handle better than something that is practically AWD. It also says it extends drive train life, which I also find hard to believe since you are changing the transfer case and have to put it back into 4x4 regularly so it doesn't go bad. So, is it worth putting the kit on for 3-4mpg? __________________ 69 Chevy C10 88 Sierra 02 2500 Suburban And too many S10s to list!

11-03-2003, 09:26 AM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Unfortunately the AWD is only if all 4 tires are on the road. The differential in the NP203 functions like an open rear end, least traction=all power. Yes you will have to shift into 4wd w/ the kit but everybody w/ part-time cases should be doing that anyway. The kit basically locks the differential and allow you to select a new 2hi. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

11-03-2003, 09:34 AM	#3
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	It will handle a little better when making tight ,slow turns,like when parking.You aren't going to get 3-4 miles better in my opinion.I noticed a little better,but not much.It keeps the front axle from rotating and the transfer case.You need to put it in 4x4 a couple miles every 200 or 300,I forget which.Go to www.coloradok5.com look under product revue __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

11-04-2003, 08:18 AM	#5
Tink Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,337	So, I'm getting the sense that it isn't really worth it... I think I would only use it if I went with lockers front and rear. __________________ 69 Chevy C10 88 Sierra 02 2500 Suburban And too many S10s to list!

11-04-2003, 08:31 AM	#6
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Yea, basically leave it alone unless you need to replace your TC then get a 205 and manual hubs. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

11-03-2003, 09:19 PM	#4
blaz72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: connecticut Posts: 21	Milage doesnt geet much better only handling diff is slow turing. some kits suck makes less reliable also cant put locking hubs on without kit, with autos park run off frount axle.

11-04-2003, 12:12 PM	#7
Scrub Collector of rusty Items Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sisters,Oregon USA Posts: 731	I don't have any personal experience with the "Full time" to "Part Time" kits, but from what I know, it is a great improvement. Maybe you have a different kit, but the one I am thinking of allows you to put locking hubs in and disengage the front driveline on the tcase side. My buddy that does not have the kit in his 203, blows a drive line out every year. Being in 4wd ALL the time is pretty tough on the drivetrain, particularly when you make tight turns. I had the impression that the "kit" was a great thing as everyone I know that is even mildly serious about 4-wheeling has converted. Disclaimer(I don't know what I am talking about :-) good luck __________________ Scrub Sisters, Oregon - Home of the Sisters Rodeo. 70 GMC 1,000,000 + miles 72 K-20 project, 456 Dana60 front, Corp14 rear w/locker, 265R19.5 tires 20-ply. Warn 12k winches both ends, Cross-over steering with raised tie-rod, Powerbox steering, 4500 watt 120-AC power, Air, Hydraulic aux power, 4 inch lift, 5000 lb air-bags both ends.

11-04-2003, 12:52 PM	#8
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I have the kit in mine and wouldnt drive one without it. Saves wear and tear on all the front end parts. Your truck will be more street friendly. Get a set of Warn or Mile Marker lockouts to go with it.

11-04-2003, 01:29 PM	#9
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,473	The MM kits are good.From what I have heard and have seen,the superwinch kit is not near as good.MM also has a shaft kit that is stronger than the regular kit,but I have not had problems with the regular kit. Mudder67 which kit are you running? __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

11-04-2003, 01:32 PM	#10
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	I'm really not sure as it was about 20 years ago that it was installed. Guy down the road installed it for me. I've never had any trouble with it and it was pretty much abused at one time for several years.

11-04-2003, 03:06 PM	#11
Tink Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: VA Posts: 1,337	Since I only drive the truck once or twice a week, I don't think I'm going to use the kit. I don't have the shaft drive kit, so I am going to sell it (anyone interested? )... If I decide to go to a part-time conversion later, I'll get the shaft drive kit. __________________ 69 Chevy C10 88 Sierra 02 2500 Suburban And too many S10s to list!



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