• RME Gear & Apparel

Jeep VS Full Size Crawler??? Pros/cons

4554x4

4554x4

always modifing something
Location
Sandy Utah
Check out offroaddesign.com/catalog/doubler.html *if your 205 is not from a turbo 400 trans, you can machine the case to accept the 205 bearing and input. I had sixb, who is a RME member and machinist hook me up. I also modified the shift rails to get the front dig. I built my own triple stick instead of purchasing one. Perhaps a purchased setup would have been nicer. Occasionally I see complete doublers for sale on KSL or Pirate 4x4. An atlas would also be a nice choice, you may want to weigh costs and labor out to decide whats best for you.
 
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
4554x4 said:
Check out the 56" flex at www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=474...095214.1238832688&type=1&theater&notif_t=like
Click to expand...

I couldn't access the link. Probably because we aren't friends on FB.

I think I actually have a 203, not a 205
I'll get a pic up soon
So lets talk T-cases. Is an Atlas that much stronger? What's the weak link on the 300. I have the TeraLow 4:1 kit, 32 spline rear, could add the ftont and could do the Stak replace a case. Wouldn't that be equivalent to an Atlas?
The doubler seems bulky and heavy! Could I just gear down and run a 203 or 205? Are they that much stronger? Give me the pros and cons guys. Nothing's installed YET!
 
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Another Jeep said:
I think I actually have a 203, not a 205

So lets talk T-cases. Is an Atlas that much stronger? What's the weak link on the 300. I have the TeraLow 4:1 kit, 32 spline rear, could add the ftont and could do the Stak replace a case. Wouldn't that be equivalent to an Atlas?
The doubler seems bulky and heavy! Could I just gear down and run a 203 or 205? Are they that much stronger? Give me the pros and cons guys. Nothing's installed YET!
Click to expand...

np 203/205 doubler is a killer setup but heavy and long, like 200lbs heavy. If you have a 203 you would know it, it is huge and 200lbs, the range box looks like it could be easily detached. basically to make a 203/205 you take the 203 range box and stick it in front of a 205. with the 203 range box you can put it in front of any t-case, so you could run a 203/np208, 203/d300, etc... the 205 is most common since it is not very long, cheap, strong, and a lot of guys have them already.

With the gm you could just run a lowmax 205, not exactly cheap, but much stronger than a d300 and lighter than a 203/205, cheaper than an atlas (probably stronger than an atlas too) I don't know of anyone that has one but looks nice, I ran around with mostly fords and they don't make it for the ford 205.
http://www.jbconversions.com/products/lomax205/

I think a d300 behind a v8 and in front of big tires would not take much abuse. I had a 203/205 and it was way beefier than my np231/d300 combo.

a 203/205 would hold up fine (with the chevy 205 you will have to upgrade output shafts) (you could also put a gm 203 with ford 205 if you need/want a driver side front output)

you don't a want to run a 203 alone it is a goofy AWD t-case that is huge and heavy and only has a 2:1 low

205 by itself only has a 2:1 low but should hold up fine, problem is that to get good off road gearing you will give up highway speed without an OD, and the gm 14 bolt doesn't have real low gears available for it.

my bronco had 37's 4.10's in the diffs, a np 435 4 speed without OD and a EFI 460 under hood. it ran about 2700 rpm at 75mph with the 6.69 granny gear it crawled well with the np203/205 (4:1 combined low). (the same 4.10's suck behind the jeep 4.0L...)

I am a big fan of 4:1 in the case and twin sticks, when building the xj those were mandatory for me.

Nathan
 
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
Nag- thanks or the info.

This must be a 203
image.jpg

I'm running a 700R4 so it will have OD but I would want the low range for sure. Maybe I'll start looking into the doubler option, and explore the the 205 options. You may have mentioned this already, but could I do the Lomax 205 kit and twin stick the 205 without the doubler contraption? I'm trying to shave as much weight as possible
 
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
4554x4 said:
I run a one ton Blazer. With the mods I have done, it works pretty good. It has the girth and weight issues, but so far it hasn't limited me. Some obstacles the shorter rigs struggle and the Blazer laughs as it conquers them. Other obstacles it's the opposite. I recommend the doubler transfercase, as they can be built quite cheaply. You can modify them to have front dig too. It came in quite handily during a tight turn yesterday. I chose the 56" front springs over the 52" inch. It gave me 3"more wheelbase and 4" lift. My 38.5 tires still rub the inner fenders a little when fully stuffed and turning. I have the 63" rear springs, and it rides sooo much smoother than factory length springs and huge flex. I have been able to keep it low buck. Good value for my dollar for sure. You are welcome to come see it.
Click to expand...

What T-case are you running with 38.5" tires? Have you had any issues?
 
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Another Jeep said:
Nag- thanks or the info.

This must be a 203
View attachment 80080

I'm running a 700R4 so it will have OD but I would want the low range for sure. Maybe I'll start looking into the doubler option, and explore the the 205 options. You may have mentioned this already, but could I do the Lomax 205 kit and twin stick the 205 without the doubler contraption? I'm trying to shave as much weight as possible
Click to expand...

Yup that is a 203.

I don't know of anyone that has the lomax 205, but if it is as good as advertised. (ie stronger than an OEM 205 with 3:1 gears) I would say just run that with out the 203 range box, you wouldn't quite have 4:1 of a 203/205 doubler but you would be about 100lbs lighter.

The lomax 205 should be just as twin-stick-able as any 205.

Good news you should be able to sell off your 203 to somebody for a little money.

Of course if that 203 will mate up to your transmission you already have the hard to find part of the 203/205 so building a 203/205 for you will be the cost of a doubler kit and a 205.

I completely built my 203/205 doubler for about $1000.00 including modifying drive shafts, that was more than 10 years ago, I got both my 203 and 205 from junk yards for under $100 each and my doubler kit was under $500.00. (prices have gone up) So if budget is a big concern 203/205 will be much cheaper for you than the lomax 205. kind of sucks for you in this situation, the cheaper option gives you more capability (2:1 and 4:1) and is much cheaper, but will add 100lbs, but an extra 100lbs in pretty much the best place to add 100lbs, down low in the middle...


I guess if I knew auto's I would know that the 700r4 thingy has OD... but I don't know autos...

Nathan
 
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
Nathan,

You may not be an auto tranny expert, but you've definitely mastered the transfer cases. I'm thinking you're suggestion of the LoMax 205 is the best scenario. It's about the same price as the doubler set up, and way lighter. I think it will be low enough as the 700R trans has a really low 3:1 first gear. Thanks for all your help.

Anyone have a 205 they wan to unload? :)
 
mbryson

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
Location
Bountiful, land of rocks
Another Jeep said:
Nathan,

You may not be an auto tranny expert, but you've definitely mastered the transfer cases. I'm thinking you're suggestion of the LoMax 205 is the best scenario. It's about the same price as the doubler set up, and way lighter. I think it will be low enough as the 700R trans has a really low 3:1 first gear. Thanks for all your help.

Anyone have a 205 they wan to unload? :)
Click to expand...


I think you'll be happy with that in a K5. I doubt you'll be repairing it like you would be the D300. Plus you can sell your D300 for $250-300 ish, if you've already got the 4:1 gears and HD output (s) you might be able to snag $700-800? out of it
 
Last edited:
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Another Jeep said:
Nathan,

You may not be an auto tranny expert, but you've definitely mastered the transfer cases. I'm thinking you're suggestion of the LoMax 205 is the best scenario. It's about the same price as the doubler set up, and way lighter. I think it will be low enough as the 700R trans has a really low 3:1 first gear. Thanks for all your help.

Anyone have a 205 they wan to unload? :)
Click to expand...

crap I forgot you have a d300 you will be unloading.

If the 4:1 and the HD output are not installed I am interested.

Hell if they are installed in the tcase I still might be interested. (I don't really want 4:1 since I have a np231/d300) but I should upgrade the output for sure.

Nathan
 
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
Nathan,

It already has the 4:1 installed but the rear HD output is NIB. However, I'll pro ably wait to sell any of it until I have a 205 or an Atlas in my possession. I'll keep you in mind when that happens!

Any thoughts on Atlas VS NP205 for strength? Has anyone blown up an Atlas, or is that not a good idea for a full size rig?
 
thenag

thenag

Registered User
Location
Kearns
Another Jeep said:
Nathan,

It already has the 4:1 installed but the rear HD output is NIB. However, I'll pro ably wait to sell any of it until I have a 205 or an Atlas in my possession. I'll keep you in mind when that happens!
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I just ordered gears and an ARB, so my jeep budget is currently tied up, so waiting will be good for me.

Nathan
 
flexyfool

flexyfool

GDW
Location
Boise, Idaho
mbryson said:
Still running the front stock output. Rear HD has been in all three cases. As mentioned I would been $ way ahead to just buy an Atlas first (not to mention trail breakage and other issues)
Click to expand...

X2. D300 + HD output + 4:1 gearset + dual sticks is getting close to the price of a bolt-in-ready Atlas.

In my opinion, a D300 holds up very well in smaller rigs that are just pushing into the low end of the extreme range.

They are weak for a full-size. If you can keep the internals and output shafts working, the D300/20/18 case will eventually crack where the center shaft is held in the wall of the case or else crack starting at the bottom cover opening and working up the front or rear face. I have personally seen 4 split cases like this. Three were on extreme trail Jeeps. One was a mildly built and mildly driven Blazer on 35's. It had a D20 that was stock for that year.
 
Last edited:
Another Jeep

Another Jeep

ONDAROX
Location
Syracuse
flexyfool said:
X2. D300 + HD output + 4:1 gearset + dual sticks is getting close to the price of a bolt-in-ready Atlas.

In my opinion, a D300 holds up very well in smaller rigs that are just pushing into the low end of the extreme range.

They are weak for a full-size. If you can keep the internals and output shafts working, the D300/20/18 case will eventually crack where the center shaft is held in the wall of the case or else crack starting at the bottom cover opening and working up the front or rear face. I have personally seen 4 split cases like this. Three were on extreme trail Jeeps. One was a mildly built and mildly driven Blazer on 35's. It had a D20 that was stock for that year.
Click to expand...

On that note. I've never had any hands on experience with an Atlas. Are they really that much stronger than a D300? Or should I just deal with the wait and go with a 203/205 doubler?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top