Need Help Please
 

I have a Sm420 and a T221, A we all know parts are hard to find for the T221. Finally my Rockwell transfer case has worn out. I am looking for the easiest option for replacement. Upon doing some research I am thinking about two options. 1. Find a replacement that is a direct bolt in or close to it for my divorced T221. 2. Swap my SM 420 and divorced T221 for a SM 465 and a NP205 married. Any Specific advice would be great?

Re: Need Help Please
 

If you want to keep the 420 you could swap the 221 for a Dodge divorced 205. Not a direct bolt in but close enough it wouldn't take too much work & probably the cheapest option. Not sure of what years Dodge ran them but I know they were in the early 70's trucks. Swapping to the 465/205 is also a great plan(IMO). You could also do the NV4500 / 205, the overdrive would be nice! (most expensive option)

Re: Need Help Please
 

ih trucks and the travall ( like a suburban ) used divorced 205 also and pass side drop . funy thing is there frame is 34" for the crossmember like our chevy/gmc stuff is .

unless you get a t221 to pop in the swap will be a little rework and possible drive shaft rework . or go the 465/205 married combo thats much faster to find.

also the 205 will prob be a lot quieter over the rockwell case .

Re: Need Help Please
 

What exactly would I need for the sm465/205 combo?
Different input shaft?
Bell housing?
Another cross member?

Re: Need Help Please
 

Chances are good that the inputs are the same, as well as the BH. Try to get the crossmember w/ the new 465/205 combo.
I'd also suggest the NV4500/NP205 swap. I'm biased since I have that combo in the garage, plus a 2.6:1 range box. I parted a truck to get the TC w/ round pattern so I petty much have zero money in the whole setup, including hydraulic clutch AA BH, crossmember, pedals, driveshafts, etc.

Pick up an advance adaptors conversion guide and catalog for more info on either swap. You can also go to ORD, and troll pirate4x4.com for info as well as their parts area.

Re: Need Help Please
 

While it is more work, and more money, my choice would be the 4500 / 205 setup. Mine came with a T221 and TH400 (divorced) and my 221 was starting to go. My combo is still divorced with the 205 hanging from the original crossmember and bushings for the 221 (with a few well placed holes drilled). Yes it was a little bit of work and probably not the easiest option but the 205 ('72 Dodge) was only 150$ and in cherry shape. The 4500 cost a few more $$ but was initially cheap BC I didn't know what to look for when buying and bought one that I had to rebuild.

75 - 80 mph @ 2100 - 2200 rpm and not looking for another gear.... well worth the price of admission!

Re: Need Help Please
 

I think if I had a truck with divorced transmission/transfer case I would try to keep it that way. So many advantages over the long run it's worth whatever it takes.

Re: Need Help Please
 

Thanks for all the advice guys, I have a buddy who has a Sm465 married T221 from I believe a 68 is it worth the swap? keeping in mind it would be free, minus a rebuild if needed. My other question would be how hard would it be to separate the T221transfer case from the 465 and install it in my current setup divorced? thanks in advance for helping the new guy.

Re: Need Help Please
 

basically your changing a 4x4 sm465 into a 2wd sm465...it would require a complete disassembly. ..you'd need everything from a 2wd tailshaft back..and complete rebuild..not worth the effort..if you want a sm465 and divorced t-case just get a 2wd sm465..you almost have to give them away to get rid of them....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=597527

Re: Need Help Please
 

If I went with the NV4500 NP205 would it be short enough I could keep the factory bench seat? I also still have the gas tank behind the seat.

Re: Need Help Please
 

Depending on what is wrong with your current 221 you can probably get the parts you need from the 68 case. I think the only difference is the part that joins it to the trans. You can get misc seals and bearings from Torque King. Might be cheapest and easy way to go using the free case ( no fab work). Some like the 465 but first gear not as low as the 420 and reverse is in a better place for going between 1st and reverse when rocking out of a ditch. Good luck, Tom