73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: necromonger on November 26, 2011, 09:17:15 am
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this is my first 4wd I need a little help.It is full time 4wd what transfer case does it have? and how do i convert it to part time? It also has a sm 465 trans I got this truck cheap and i want to fix it up.
Thanks
Greg
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I am not a 4x4 person so I can't answer your question but I have converted a couple over the years. It is a fairly easy conversion, at least the ones I have done. My question is why? You basically have all wheel drive now the best of all worlds IMO. If you are looking for gas mileage I doubt you will see an improvement. I would take an original full time set up over anything else mainly because everything stays moving. My $.02
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Full time is a NP-203.
If converting to part time, and you already have a 4-speed, you should look for the gear drive NP-205 transfer case. They are plentiful, and cheap, and way stronger than a chain drive NP-203.
However, if it is a '78, and has a SM465, I don't understand how it would be full time 4x4. The SM465/NP203 combo is very rare, I have only actually seen one myself. They were only an option in 1973~74.
Can you snap a pic of your t-case? A pic would be very helpful.
But, one thing you can check yourself, the NP205 had a square ID tag. About 1.25"x3". This tag will be on the front of the case next to the front output shaft, and under the shift rails. The NP203 will have a round tag approx 2" in diameter. You will find this on the large chain (front output) housing.
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The sm465/np203 set up is actually pretty common in 73 -78/79 chevy's, my 74 and 77 both have them. On the back side of your transfer case should be a tag, if not there snap a pic as engineer said and we can identify which you have, or go online and look up the difference yourself.
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It has a 205 in it.so this is better right?
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205 is the best OE transfer case hands down.
But the 205 is part time only. It was never built as a full time.
You thought your truck was full time, what indicated that it was?
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no lock in lock out hubs
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Something's probably been changed over the years. What is the shift pattern on your t-case knob? By no lock outs, do you mean they look like the newer auto hubs, or do they just have a plain steel cap over them?
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shift pattern is 4 low neutral 2 high 4 high.front hubs have a steel cap on them.
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Sounds like someone's swapped the front axle for a full time unit.
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Or it just doesn't have locking hubs on it. If this is the case just you can just put some locking hubs on it. I had a broken hub once and put the old solid hub gear on until I got a new set of hubs.
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So where can I get a set of locking hubs?
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Summitracing.com by mail order or your local auto parts store will be able to order them. I believe you will also need the spindle nut kit as well. Here is a link to the Summit page showing WARN hubs and spindle nuts:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Year/1979/Make/CHEVROLET/Model/K30/Brand/Warn/?Ns=Rank%7cAsc
My search was for a 79 but your 78 will be the same. There are other brands of hubs too (Mile Marker etc). Also the spindle nut conversion kit picture is misleading. It only includes the inner and outer nuts and locking ring and not all the other stuff in the picture.
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So where can I get a set of locking hubs?
Practically anywhere, shop around and find the brand/price you are happy with. If you do not use it for serious off road, you don't need to spend the extra money for the high end hubs.
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Thank all or you for your help. replacing all the u joints now.
Thanks
Greg
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Sounds like a pretty cool setup you have. Post photos when you have a chance.
Unless the front end was swapped out, you should have a Dana 60 up front. Pretty much any auto parts store, 4 wheel drive shop, ebay, etc. would have or be able to order a set of hubs.
In the meantime, keep your eyes open for a set of Spicer hubs for the Dana 60. They've been discontinued for a while, but they are quite a bit stronger than the hubs currently available. As they're rare and desirable, don't be surprised if you find a used set of Spicer hubs for a Dana 60 priced the same or more than a new set of Warn Dana 60 hubs.
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Thanks will do. I love this forum everyone is nice and very helpful. by the way does any one know where i can get a pair of headlight holder rings for my new old 78.
thanks
Greg
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Check with Chris "Capt Kaos" - Site administrator.
The Dorman "HELP" number 42408 is for a universal replacement for the 7" round headlamp retainer.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-23972-42408.aspx
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Thank you. I checked my local parts store has them.
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The Spicer hubs have a week link though. The plastic turn knob has a steel pin that goes through them to catch the hub flange inside. The plastic has a tendency to break around the pin.
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Good to know.What would be a good set to buy? remember i live in WV.
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If you can find Dana60 Spicer lockouts I'll take a hundred sets, and can probably sell those just by yelling out my front door that I have them.
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I wish I could but I can't find even 1 good set.Guess it will be warn or mike marker.The price of scrap metal killed the used parts around here.
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So, you have a 205 with the "auto-locking" hubs. Pretty common setup. I would suggest swapping to manual hubs as the automatic ones are notorious for failing to lock or unlock. If you have the money then go with the Warn Premium hubs. If not then Warn, Mile Marker and a few others have hubs for that axle.