My np203 tail cone is getting hot. How hot is normal?

[74k20]

Need some confidence or warning.  I've had my Mile Marker 501 part time kit in my np203 for 2 weeks, and all appears to be ok.  I aimed for about .005 slop, but think I hit about .015 instead, once all was bolted down and sealer on gasket.

However while I keep looking under the truck for any problems, all looks good - EXCEPT the 1 piece cast iron tail cone is HOT.  Hot as in, I can not hold my flat hand on the bottom for more then lets say 15 sec.  The T-case it's self where the nose cone bolts to, is just luke warm at best.  Appears ONLY the tail cone is hot.  Even the main housing next to the exhaust is slightly cooler then the tail cone.  My exhaust does run beside the t-case, so I was just hoping it was heat soak.

I'm NERVOUS.  I've been locking in the t-case quite regularly (maybe every 50 miles or so), just because I'm scared.  Oil is topped of with new 10/40.  There is a tad bit of a new smell to the truck, (burning motor oil smell), but NOT bad and always question if it's the guy in front of me.

Been driving it to work the last few day's which is mostly highway driving for about 20 miles at 60+ and low gearing.

Is my rear bearing about to explode?  I know of NO reason for the rear bearing to be going out just due to the 501 kit.  Hate to pull it apart and waist a gasket and make another mess, but better then being along side the road.

Thanks,

[frickenbored]

I've never felt my tail housing but next time i drive my k5 for a longer period of time I'll see it it gets hot.  It could be because its a cast iron tail housing.  Aluminum disipates heat a lot better than iron.  I don't really see what excessive heat would do to the bearing though, unless its getting red hot.

[joesgarage71]

 Did it get hot before you did the conversion?

[74k20]

No idea if it was hot before the kit, as I never paid much attention to it.  I just got it from my grandpa a couple months ago and he never noticed.  I went ahead and added an extra 3/4 of a quart above the fill hole this morning.  Don't really have any highway trips planned for a bit, but I'll keep an eye on it for sure.

Probably take it off to do a check sometime soon however, once I see how adding the oil does.

[Wardog]

Have you checked the oil pump?

[74k20]

It looked fine and assume it worked fine before.  How would I know if it is not working now? I never actually took it off the shaft, only took off the wide plastic speedo gear, not the narrower oil pump.  It's not like I can put it in backwards, or can I? Twist is twist, it's not a reverse twist if installed backwards.