18 & 203 transfer case adapter????

[shredby4]

Does anybody know of an adapter to bolt a Dana/Spicer 18 or 20 to the front half of a NP203 to make a doubler? I'm thinking this may be the ideal setup for me right now. I really want to retain my passenger side q-trac diffs but need a little bit better crawl ratio. I'm not a big throttle guy either...so the 18 should hold up to an unlocked front, locked rear with 33's or 35's, right?

I know I can get the 18 for next to nothing(already have a spare D 20). I'm think I may even be able to get a 203 for free! If I can't get it free, they are usually really cheap...so....

[scotty]

i would not reccomend an 18 in a heavy FSJ,even with 33s,especially behind the extra rduction of a 203 range box. i have broken no fewer than 5 spicer 18s and so far 1 dana 20 tailshaft ;)

the d20 is a decent case to run if its allready mated to the tranny youre using,but i would not reccomend spending $$ to "beef it up" or $$ to adapt it to a 203. after youve spent the $$ on it and break it a few times it will suck to realize youre not commited to keeping it and just have to fix it whenever it breaks,or else spend the $$ all over again for a new adapter.

i run a t18/d20 with 38s and it holds up pretty well(as i mentioned,only 1 tailsahft to date) but when i do my 435/203/doubler ill be using a 205 for that 2nd case ;)

to directly answer your question,there is a guy on pirate making steel doubler adapters,a couple of people have asked about them for the d20,but not sure if hes making them yet...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=146813

[shredby4]

mmmm...I see...just keep in mind it's running behind a 360 and an auto, not a manual. They setup would be somewhat temporary too. Mainly for going downhill...My Jeep hurtles out of on hills. I'm just sick of a lack of control on rocks going down. But i need a cheaper solution than a 203/205 combo here. (don't we all?)

[scotty]

youre considering a $450+ doubler adapter for a "cheap alternative" ;)

true the auto will soak up alot of the driveline shocks that like to shatter parts,but i think a 205 will still be cheaper for you in the long run ;)

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/Misc-Pictures/brokenTC1.JPG
broken spicer 18(bunch of teeth missing from lower slider)

http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/Technical/d20shaft.05.JPG
broken d20 tailsahft

if your main concern is going downhill,another cost effective option is to install rear discs. i used to creep down hills alot in granny 1st gear,but shifting int neutral and using the brakes is alot easier on your drivetrain ;) ive seen tires catch on rocks and snap stubshafts while creeping down hills in gear

[shredby4]

Yeah, but with a 205 I will have no low range at all. Plus 450 wouldn't be that bad with most of the other parts being free. LOL I see your point...I just need to explore options. My tranny will be due for it's rebuild soon, which is the perfect time to do all this.

[shredby4]

Scotty, if you are still on here and can, just give me a shout on aim...same name, shredby4...Need your advice!

[scotty]

one last thing to consider is that unless youre spending a buncha $$ on terra gears,the difference in low range is not really enuff to consider: d20=2.03,NP 205=1.96

good luck with the project,wichever way you go,and hopefully john on piratecan hook you up with a d20 doubler adapter if you go that route. smile.gif