Identifying A Transfer Case

digitalracer · Sep 28, 2004

hello everyone i just purchased a 1978 bronco with what seems to be a bad trasfer case(makes a lot of noise). i was wondering what transfer cases came int the 78 bronco was it the 205 or the 203 and if both were used whats the easiest way to tell them apart any help would be appriciated thanks

custom_78 · Sep 28, 2004

The 203 is fulltime 4wd and the 205 is part time

digitalracer · Sep 28, 2004

so if the 203 is full time would the front axle have lockable hubs or would it just always be in four wheel drive(no lockable hubs)i ask because my bronco has lockable unlockable front hubs thanks

Justshootme84 · Sep 28, 2004

Even the fulltime t-cases will have selectable front hubs. When unlocked, the front driveshaft still turns. The number will be marked on the back of the case, You could have either in the 78. Post a pic if you still need help. Also, try looking here:

Transfer case ID Photos

4xfan78 · Sep 28, 2004

Justshootme84, I have a hard time remembering the differences also. I have a 74 f100 with full time t case but no unlockable hubs. I think that it is a np 203 (chain drive) what is the np gear drive?

Broncoholics · Sep 28, 2004

Np205 is gear drive. You don't want the NP203 chain drive, very weak compared to the 205. The problem with a 205 is the low range isn't very low but its sure strong.

If you can't tell what it is by looking at it, shift it in 2wd with hubs unlocked and get under the truck and see if you can turn the driveline. If you can its a 205, if not its a 203. Make sure you are indeed in 2wd otherwise you might be in 4wd and think its 203 when its a 205. Or you could be in nutral. One click up from 4 wheel high is 2wd or one click back from nutral is 2wd. I'm sure you know the shifting pattern by now, its just a FYI.

4xfan78 · Sep 28, 2004

Thank you for the info.

digitalracer · Sep 29, 2004

THANKS FOR THE INFO EVERYONE. i just got done talking to a guy here that has several old fords and he was able to tell me what i have is a 203. so my question has been answered thanks again

Justshootme84 · Sep 29, 2004

glad you found out which one you have. Like stated, the NP203 is the weaker of the two and fulltime 4wd. If it is broken, you may want to consider swapping in a NP205 or at least converting the 203 to part-time 4wd to get better gas mileage. A used 205 will run you about $400, as they are rather popular with the pullers and racers.