79 FULL-TIME 4X4

[Wardog]

I installed the milemarker part time shaft kit in my '75 pickup 203.  It is a very simple install at least as far as things such as that go.  The MM shaft replaces the differential and rear output shaft.  The major concern is setting the proper end play; I did this while I was rebuilding the tc when it was on the bench and it was pretty straight forward with a dial indicator.  I researched the differential locks kit offered by many other companies and decided that I didn't want the extra "play" in the rear output.  The shaft kit disengages the front output shaft until you select 4WD and allows you to not spin the front half of the drivetrain.  MM offers a kit that includes their locking hubs or just the shaft kit.  The conversion makes a great difference in the way the truck handles (steering), and 2WD low is really awesome.  I did this conversion 3 years ago and have yet to notice any problems, in fact I have a 75 Blazer that is full time unconverted and that has more driveline problems.  I can't compare the fuel mileage since the two trucks have major differences (tires, powerplants, gear ratios, etc).  The full time blazer actually does better, handles better when not "locked".  The reason I haven't converted the blazer it allows me to be lazy and not hafta lock in the hubs.  Milemarker has on their staff a very knowledgeable 203 tech that is very helpful.

Milemarker shaft kit pn:  95-22203 (with 1/2 ton hubs), 95-92203 (without hubs).
Good Luck.

[pjm257]

I know this is a old topic but I recently purchased a 1979 full time 4x4 K2500. And man is it a mud mule! I don't know if it is converted or not but to me it seems to be. I get what I would call excellent gas mileage for a truck of this size and nature.

As far as the conversion kit my truck has locking hubs on the front end and it appears to not be in 4 wheel drive when I run it in the H or L positions. But when I lock the hubs and put her in HiLock or LowLock she will pull me out of anything and everything I have put her through. I must say that I am completely happy with my old GMC truck. I have been putting her to the test for the last few nights and man this truck is a mud mule to the bone.

The only things I have had to do to the truck so far is oil the shifter linkage replace the front and rear U-Joints and give her a tune up.

[nogomoto]

If anyone close to Louisville KY needs a freewheel 203, I have a New Process mated to one that I need to get out of my way. $175 obo for tranny and transfer with no bellhousing picked up.

[Captkaos]

soo i found a np 205 for a good price but its outta an f-150 will it still work?

No.

[veachmasonry]

i have this same problem. I put a transmision and transfercase in my truck that was already assembled, not realizing it was for full time four wheel drive until I went to drive it! I have manual hubs on my truck. Ive actually just kept it in 4 hi (i think) with my hubs on free, and locking them when i wanted 4x4. What kind of transfer case4 is this? Which one do I need to get to work with my manual hubs? I've also been considering th kit, but never have found it until y'all posted this link! My transmission is a '79 turbo350 and the transfercase was already bolted to it when I got it.

[yellowk20]

soo i found a np 205 for a good price but its outta an f-150 will it still work?

No it will not .
swapping case's can be a nightmare for a newbie GM t-case's do not interchange well . if your NP203 is good then get a part time kit and be done a case swap is time and money consuming