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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Transfer Cases and Front Drivelines => Topic started by: jeffaj01 on July 25, 2012, 01:42:28 pm

Title: transfer case model
Post by: jeffaj01 on July 25, 2012, 01:42:28 pm

Hello, I just bought a 79 Chevy k10, how can I tell what type of transfer case I have? I didn't pay much for this truck. Ive wanted one for a long time, but I'm not sure this is the one I want to keep. The front drive shaft is out, not sure why, p.o said the 4 wheel would not disengage. I'm assuming the worst and just figuring on a transfer case, but what else could the issue be? It has an unknown body lift on it, which I know throws all the shifting mechanisms off.

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: nvrenuf on July 25, 2012, 03:11:35 pm

It could be either a 203 or 205, my money is on it being a 203 (full time 4wd). There are 2 easy identifiers -

The shift pattern on a 203 will have HI LOC and LO LOC positions where a 205 will not.

A 205 will have a small ~2" retainer plate in the center of the rear of the case with 3 small bolts, a 203 will not.

Lots of folks used to pull the front d-shaft out of 203 trucks attempting to get better mpg's.

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: bluecrew on July 25, 2012, 05:32:02 pm

The 205 is very short.  IIRC, around 12"...?  It might even have a metal id tag on it still.  Pictures would help.  I also believe the 203 is aluminum housing vs the cast of the 205...

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: Jason S on July 25, 2012, 05:42:47 pm

The NP203 and NP205 were cast iron cases.  The NP208 is an aluminum case. 

Have you done a search on the site for photos to compare against your t-case? 

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: nvrenuf on July 25, 2012, 05:47:17 pm

Here's a pic of the back of a 205. Ignore the red arrow and take note of the small 3 bolt retainer on the left side of the pic, a 203 will NOT have this.

(http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff150/nvrenuf_K5/Parts%20Pics/vein205.jpg)

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: jeffaj01 on July 27, 2012, 09:25:18 am

Thanks for the replies; Not sure how to post a pic, but it doesn't have the small round with 3 bolts. Shifter has hi, hi loc, n, lo, Lo loc. Wanting to put this truck in the local "mud sling" is this transfer case/truck good for that? I'm not new to the 73-87 trucks, but am new to the 73-87 4 wheel drive version. I have some pics of the truck if I can figure out how to post them.

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: nvrenuf on July 27, 2012, 09:56:24 am

Sounds like you definitely have a 203. This is a chain driven case, if the chain is tight then it's a decent case but if you hear any popping from the case it'll need to have the chain replaced.

Also the shifter itself can be problematic and allow the case to pop out of gear.

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: CruzinHigh on August 22, 2012, 07:12:19 pm

If you would want to swap in a working NP208, I have one that I might soon be taking out for a swap I plan on putting a 205 in mine.   

If you're interested, PM me.

Title: Re: transfer case model
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 23, 2012, 10:55:06 am

i would run her till she blows lol. nothing wrong with a 203 besides with any swap you got to get a adapter plate and new drive shafts