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Converting 4/Speed man. with a 203

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Chevy Tough Enthusiast

Chevy Tough

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I have a 78 Chevy with a 400 SB with a 4 speed man, 205 t-case, i was wondering if a 203 full-time transfer case would bolt up to a 4 speed manual, would i need an adapter kit or something to make this happen. Help :chevy:

Larry Enthusiast

Larry

Posted
Posted

Why in the world would you want to replace the much desired 205 and replace it with a full-time 203? :chevy:

 

To answer you question….yes, adaptors do exist for that swap but are very hard to come by as GM did offer a NP465 manual trans and 203 in 1973 and 1974. I doubt there are any aftermarket kits to do what you want since most people ditch their 203’s and install 205’s instead. I know I am glad I did. :cool:

Chevy Tough Enthusiast

Chevy Tough

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LOL, i know it may sound weird and all but you see i hunt during the fall season so i decided to fix up my old rig since elk season starts in jan of 05, i know the 205 is the best by far, but i rather have a full-time for the snow season so i wont have to be getting out to lock in my hubs (i know im lazy), plus the hi loc and low loc engages the front and rear tires so it more likely a go.

Larry Enthusiast

Larry

Posted
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Yes, it does sound weird and sounds like you may need that extra 13 months to learn more about four-wheel drive vehicles.

 

LOL.....What do you mean hi loc and low loc engage both front and rear axles? What transfercase doesn’t? If you mean that you want to spin all 4 tires, you will need more than a transfercase…..you will need a rear locking differential and a limited slip differential in the front or selectable locker. There really is no true 4x4 from the factory that will spin all four wheels unless you buy a new Jeep Rubicon or 2005 Dodge Power Wagon that has factory locking deferentials. GM claims to have locking deferentials on their new trucks but they don't....they have limited slip deferentials and they are not the same.

 

If you just want to get away from the locking hubs then find a set of auto locking hubs from an 81’ through 86’ model GM truck. They are not very reliable but if you’re that lazy then I guess they are worth a try…..better yet, keep your 205 and just leave the hubs locked all the time. Contrary to popular belief, there really isn’t anything wrong with running with the hubs locked in while you are in 2wd. Especially, if the truck is only used for hunting and such. Heck, Dodge spun the front axle all the time without auto locking hubs, axles disconnects, or anything for many years with 205’s and 208 transfercases. Yes, there will be more wear and tear on the drive train and less fuel economy but no worse than a 203 would give you.

Colorado Kid Enthusiast

Colorado Kid

Posted
Posted

Larry's got it right. The 203 has NO advantage over the 205. When you don't have the 203 in "Loc" any one tire loosing traction will strand you, front or rear. With it in Hi Loc i works the same as the 205 in 4Hi, and Lo Loc is the same as 4Lo, except that the 205 is stronger.

 

Like Larry said, lock you hubs and leave them locked, run in 2Hi it isn't slick and 4Hi when it is. . . . no harm done and certainly less fuel burned and drivetrain wear than the stupid 203. . . and it'll save you a bunch of work too. (You're the one called yourself lazy.)

 

If you take an original factory small block 400/465/205 truck and swap IN a 203 then this smiley was made for you. :cheers:

Chevy Tough Enthusiast

Chevy Tough

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If you take an original factory small block 400/465/205 truck and swap IN a 203 then this smiley was made for you. :flag:

 

 

 

 

Ahhh the insults quote From "Rodney Dangerfield" (I Get No Respect) :cheers: , i might as well stick with it then, but im not that lazy its just when i spinn going up hill's i have to slip out the truck and lock in the hubs, sometimes i slip under the truck when its snowing and no traction. (Long story to mention).

  • 1 month later...
Shane74 Enthusiast

Shane74

Posted
Posted
I have a 78 Chevy with a 400 SB with a 4 speed man, 205 t-case, i was wondering if a 203 full-time transfer case would bolt up to a 4 speed manual, would i need an adapter kit or something to make this happen. Help :cheers:

 

 

 

 

I wouldn't ditch a perfectly good 205 for a 203. Yes, there are plenty of adapters out there for that combo if you know where to look. The only advantage a 203 has over a 205 is the better low range. Can't remember off the top of my head exactly what the low range ratios are, but eh 203 is better for low range wheeling. Like rock crawling and such.

On the other hand if you wanted the best of both worlds, you could do a doubler setup. Basically you bolt the range box from a 203 to a 205. this requires a special adapter, but you get all the strength of the gear driven 205 coupled with the killer low range of the 203. Also, you keep the high range of ht e205 for better DD milage.

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