NP229 to NP219? What am I up against?

[JohnG]

I'm not much of a mechanic -- but I've got two GW's an 83 that I'm restoring and an '84 I purchased because it had a super clean interior that I can swap into my restoration project.

Didn't expect to try and get the '84 running but it seems to be mechanically sound -- minus the transfer case. (Lots of rust on the body!)

So now I'm considering using the '84 for hunting and would like to replace the transfer case.

I don't want to put much money into this vehicle, but if I can get it going for light duty while hunting, that would be super!

What would it take to swap in a NP219 and have full-time 4WD? The GW has a 727 3-spd auto, and I'm sure it had the NP229 Selec-Trac.

Would I be better off to keep looking for a NP229?

[dnixon]

Well if I was you I would forget both of those and upgrade to a NP208. It is the strongest T/C that will bolt right up. Its still chain driven but it won't be as hard to put in as a gear driven like a NP205. I am planing on a NP208 swap because my NP229 just went out. Its also not vaccum actuated either.. but.. the only thing is that you can *NOT* drive this rig on the street.. it doesn't have the viscous coupler like the 229 has that is why it can be driven on the street... good luck...

[dnixon]

oh yeah a NP208 is much much cheaper then a NP229 on www.transfercase.com (http://www.transfercase.com) the 208 was 400 bucks cheaper...

[RWC]

I've got a 229 I'd sell for much less than that!

RWC

[scotty]

the 219 is a much more dependable case than the 229,IMO. if you can find one cheap,and get the shift linkage for the plastic flag,toss it in there smile.gif it is demensionally the same as the 229,so no mods should be needed.

the 219 does not have the prollematic 2wd/4wd vaccum thingy,and it does have a high lock so that you can limp home on the front shaft. i used to wheel a 219 and had to do it more than once ;)

[JohnG]

Thanks for the input guys! I appreciate the help and will do some homework based on your input!

[joe]

John, if you do go to a 208/219 just don't tear out "all" the old vacuum stuff. Even after installing a non-vac operated x-case You'll still need the dash switch and part of the vac plumbing to lock in your front axle(83-84's only and only w/229). The switch routes vac first to the axle, engages it, then runs vac to the 229 to engage it.

[dnixon]

yeah after my SOA i have more vaccum line going to my front *EDIT* (NOT driveshaft) axle then I know what to do with..I have to have so much extra due my revolvers...

[ December 03, 2002, 10:58 AM: Message edited by: dnixon ]

[DDGETHS]

So you guys are saying that if a person was to swap in a 208, the rig would not be able to be driven on the street. But if we used a 219 we would still need the vaccum lines to engage the front axle right? I'm thinking about swaping so that I don't have to use all of the vaccum lines in my 57 willys wagon.. Thanks Pete

[ExpandingMan]

Joe's right. This is what my PO did. I have to shift with vacuum to lock axles. The output vac is blocked which normally would have locked the 229 case. The 208 is locked manually, with the stick on the floor.

My 208 shifts 2wd-4wdHi-N-4wdLO though the old flag (from the original 229) reads only Hi-N-Lo.

Go with the 208.

[andy d]

219 is a direct bolt in, you may run into driveshaft differences putting in a 208. i liked the 219 in my 81. just put in gear and go. none of this turn the hubs fol de rol. for an all weather daily driver the 219 and the 229 are fine. they both have a locked low range. gear driven vs chain driven is discussed quite a bit. if the chain is swapped out when slack is worn into it, whats the problem. i ran mine to 180 k with no troubles. if youre rock crawling, add a skid plate.

[dnixon]

Originally posted by DDGETHS:
So you guys are saying that if a person was to swap in a 208, the rig would not be able to be driven on the street. But if we used a 219 we would still need the vaccum lines to engage the front axle right? I'm thinking about swaping so that I don't have to use all of the vaccum lines in my 57 willys wagon.. Thanks PeteYOu can still drive it on the street but just not in 4wheel drive... the front and rear wheels turn at different speeds in turns... sooo the 229 has a viscous coupler which is pretty much acts like a differential in the t/c so that it changes power depending on the needs (when you go around a corner). When you are offroad the loose dirt and such allows slipping so you don't hop.

If you get 208 from a manual trans you will have to swap linkage. its actually much less complicated linkage, one bar comes down from the shifter and that T's into another bar which goes in the the T/C.. but with that comes you cutting a hole in the floor to mount the shifter on the transmission hump and adapting some linkage.
The 208 is also shorter.. so the rear driveshaft will have to be lengthend or like i am going to, get a longer one and shorten it..(shortening cost less)

good luck

[DDGETHS]

ok that makes it clear as mud. It is just like any normal 4x4. You should not drive in 4x4 on the HWY unless you are in a low traction situation ie snow, ice, etc.

I'd be interested in some pics of how you mounted the shifter. thanks Pete

[dnixon]

Originally posted by DDGETHS:
ok that makes it clear as mud. It is just like any normal 4x4. You should not drive in 4x4 on the HWY unless you are in a low traction situation ie snow, ice, etc.

I'd be interested in some pics of how you mounted the shifter. thanks PeteI haven't actually done it yet... but RamJetFSJ has.. he posted some pictures for me REALLY good pictures I'll find the link to the post it has all kinds of help with the swap over..

*EDIT*

Here is the link... good luck... http://www.ifsja.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=013893

[ December 03, 2002, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: dnixon ]

[oldyellowwagoneer]

Provided you have the shifter in 2WD you CAN drive the 208 on the street. All those chevys on the road do that.The only time you can drive ANY 4x4 in 4 high or low is in low traction situations. DENNIS

[dnixon]

Originally posted by scoutgrl:
Provided you have the shifter in 2WD you CAN drive the 208 on the street. All those chevys on the road do that.The only time you can drive ANY 4x4 in 4 high or low is in low traction situations. DENNISNot true with the NP229.. it is able to be street driven... you are supposed to drive it 40 miles a month on the street in 4 Hi.. even says so in the manual... it all depends if it has a VC