Need Transfer case explanation - NP208

[raymix]

Hi everyone :)

Ok i'll sound dumb but here's my question:

Got a NP208 tcase. Someone can explain me the deal about the locks ?

I mean by that ... there are 4 positions on my tcase shifter.

2H / 4H / neutral / 4L

Yup, easy but when I put it on 4H without locking, what's happening ? do I still have 4wd but the front acting like the rear axle ?
Same goes for the 4L without locking.

I guess locks, when in "lock" position, is acting like both front wheels are spinning at the same speed. I notice that when the front is locked, tires are "eating the ground" when turning the steering and got loads of traction.

Am I right ?

Please explain that to me.

Ray.

P.S. I looked at the aluminium info plate on the tcase, there's a RATIO number at the bottom saying "261" ...what does it mean ?

[1980cdeluxe]

261:1 ratio in low range if I've researched right, and I think your talking about hubs.. Hubs just connect/disconnect front axle from the wheels. Lock - connected, your in 4 wheel drive (axle connected to wheels and recieving power) Free - disconnected, your in 2 wheel drive (axle is not connected to the wheels and is recieving no power).

If your hubs are unlocked, but your transfercase is indicating 4W drive, your still in 2 wheel drive because no power is reaching the front tires..

TIP: Don't drive the truck in 4H/L on pavement without the right conditions, the tires try to rotate at the same speed when turning..  

Edited by: 1980cdeluxe at: 5/21/06 12:49 am

[raymix]

Thanks 1980cdeluxe.

So I'll always have to go out and turn the hubs to "lock" position everytime I want 4WD.

Does it means my tcase is a part-time 4x4 ?

(I'm learning ! don't worry :) )

Ray.

[Blazin]

You can leave yuor hubs locked and still be in only two wheel drive. Around town etc. it won't hurt them but I wouldn't run a long distance with them locked in for 1 it will redude your gas milage. 2 chances are on a long run you won't be useing 4x4. I prety much leave mine in all the time in the winter unless its a longger trip or good road conditions, and out all the time in the summer unless I plan to use 4x4

[VileZambonie]

261:1 ?!?!?! Are you trying to pull the moon down from orbit?   It's  2.61:1 ratio in low. That means the outputshaft of your transmission has to turn 2.61 times to one revolution of the transfer case output shaft. This gives you more Torque Multiplication.

Yes it is a part time transfer case and when in 2WD mode only the rear prop shaft receives power. When in 4WD Power is split to the front and rear prop shafts.

"Lock" inside a transfer case refers to locking the interaxle differential making power split equal and therefore giving you driveline wind up if you drive it on dry road surfaces.

Locking and unlocking the hubs basically disconnects the front wheel to the fronat axle shaft.

[raymix]

Now that's clear :)

Nice infos about the ratio thingie.

Yeah, where I live (nothern quebec) I use the locks all the time cuz it's pretty slippery, iced pavement 80% all winter.
It drives like an arrow on ice when locked. Sucks when putting it back to 2WD. Reminds me my other 2WD 86 chevy.

I guess it's okay to drive it locked all winter, most of the time I'm driving on ice or snow. If i come across some dry pavement and have to make a turn, I'm doing it softly.

Summer, i'm locking it just for having fun in the forest here or getting out of a mud/sand trail. It got pretty decent traction on locked mode, impress me everytime ! New tires I put on it doesn't hurts either ;)

Thanks guys for your help !

[1980cdeluxe]

2.61, thanks for the correction