Best t-case swap for the Q-trac

[Reebles]

Since I am selling my TJ, I am making plans to build up and wheel the Honcho. It will be doing hard wheeling, so I want to get ideas on better t-cases.

So..Dana300 with 4 to 1? Or should I save up and throw in an Atlas? (would take a while for this..lol)

Ideas, please..cheaper the better of course :)

[Big Blue]

Whatever you do i think your going to have to change the output shaft on the TH400 cause its an odd 10 spline (i think). Otherwise you could also run dual cases such as the np203/np205.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

yup whatever your choice of T-case is going to be, you will have to pull the TH400 apart and swap in the corsponding output shaft for the T-Case you choose.
My choices for this swap would be a GM NP208 or GM NP205 the 205 for the TH400 version would be expensive as they are sought after, but you can find good deals on them. The 208's are everywhere and generally cheaper.

[JeepinPete]

Are you planning on swapping out axles? The reason I ask, the QT is not the weak link in a 1/2 ton drivetrain. It has a decent low range, and locks up solid when you need it to. If you are building something similar to Crazy Jeepman's specs, then ignore everything I've written :)

[KaiserMan]

For had wheeling, I'd want a NP205. The 208 is a good t-case, and offers a better low range, but just isn't as tough as the 205. If I where you, and had some cash to play with, I would go with a twin sticked 205 with a low gear set.

[fulsizjeep]

You don't want to go through all that hassle. ;) Sell me the Honcho. :thumbsup: Get a 80 or newer FSJ with auto & LHD front axel, get a 208 for it if it doesn't have one and wheel the snot out of it.

[FSJeeper]

Ideas, please..cheaper the better of course :)

Your cheapest route is to buy a mainshaft and adapter from an 80's Chevy with T400 and NP208 tcase. You should be able to round this stuff up for around $200 if you are a scavenger.

[sjlplat]

I'm still very new to the FSJ world. Is there any particular reason the D300 isn't a popular swap?

Gear-driven, cast iron case, optional twin sticks, 4:1 gearsets and 32-spline outputs. IMO, the D300 is the next best thing to an Atlas or Stak. :cool:

[fulsizjeep]

If you are thinking D300 swap in a QT rig, you may want to get a hold of IFSJA member kimbrough. He has a thread on it over here:
http://gfsj.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1815

I think someone else was headed this direction here.

If you insist on keeping the Honcho and pursue an upgrade, then I would recommend FSJeeper's direction.

[Reebles]

If you are thinking D300 swap in a QT rig, you may want to get a hold of IFSJA member kimbrough. He has a thread on it over here:
http://gfsj.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1815

I think someone else was headed this direction here.

If you insist on keeping the Honcho and pursue an upgrade, then I would recommend FSJeeper's direction.

I am definitely keeping the honcho...actually selling my TJ.

Thanks for the info guys!

[derf]

Why swap out the QT? It's a good heavy duty t-case with a decent low range. Why spend money if you don't have to?

[goldhammer]

IIRC the GM 208's were pretty much all slip yoke rear outputs. I had an 18 put together for my 81 chero with a 208, and if I ever decide to swap to my 3/4 ton GM axles, the 300 will replace the 208.

[malodin]

Im the other one that is going with a d300 setup behind a th400, its pretty easy to round up the parts, just get a th400 np 208 short shaft output and adapter, and then your d300, and then go to jb conversions and get a 32spline inputs shaft for the d300 and boom there you go th400/dana 300.

[sjlplat]

IIRC the GM 208's were pretty much all slip yoke rear outputs.

Correct. The only 208 with a fixed yoke is the Dodge.

[Casey]

Why swap out the QT? It's a good heavy duty t-case with a decent low range. Why spend money if you don't have to?
Good advice there. I have collected parts to swap in a 727- D300 in place of my Q-T.
I haven't had a problem one with the Q-T though. I'm running a centered J truck rear and a SOA w/TT's shackle flip and the Q-T is doing just fine. I will admit that I've not pushed it to the limit yet ( been to URE twice), but it drives fine.

[janie]

Why swap out the QT? It's a good heavy duty t-case with a decent low range. Why spend money if you don't have to?

LOL! Derf, I've got two here that are worth nothing more than boat anchors.

Ya'll keep this one going. Great thread.:thumbsup:

[Sambo]

I'm still very new to the FSJ world. Is there any particular reason the D300 isn't a popular swap?

Gear-driven, cast iron case, optional twin sticks, 4:1 gearsets and 32-spline outputs. IMO, the D300 is the next best thing to an Atlas or Stak. :cool:

yes sir i agree totally:cool: its whats under my jeep(lol kinda like beef)...plans are for 4-1 and 32 spline outs,and twins:thumbsup:
my whole swap ran me $550 after it was all said and done!
front shaft worked,rear needed some length!
btw i used novak 134A kit

[derf]

LOL! Derf, I've got two here that are worth nothing more than boat anchors.

Ya'll keep this one going. Great thread.:thumbsup:

They ain't perfect but by in large they're good t-cases.

I think it's just your bad luck. ;)

[babywag]

If I can't get my tranny/transfer case (TH400/QT) to stop leaking and start behaving....
(This will be removal #4, and I'm in no mood for it:mad:)

An '86 727 and a NP208 from a dodge is going in there.
I already have the 727, so money wise it would be a fairly cheap swap.

[DAHoyle]

What about a Tranny/TC swap.

If an auto is needed, go with a 727. opens up a wide variety of options for TC including both rh and lh drop.

A 727 is every bit as good a tranny as a 400.


Personally, I'm really tempted to do a 727/Klune/D300 combo for a crawler, but even without the Klune, it'd be a sweet setup for a passengers side drop

[fulsizjeep]

They ain't perfect but by in large they're good t-cases.

I think it's just your bad luck. ;)

Luck? :p

Anyone with Quadratrac(s) that cause heart burn over inability to function properly should crate them up and ship to:

Jubilee Jeep Stables
10426 Co Rd 39
Mancos, CO 81328

We will take away your misery. ;) It will be worth the trouble to ship them off and just say NO to QTs.

[JonnyBathum]

Whether you have the Borg-Warner T-18 4 speed transmission or the GM TH-400 3 speed automatic both came with the Dana 20 transfer case in the J10 and J20. The Dana 20 transfer case is a very strong gear driven transfer case, although it only has a 2.03 low range you can get the Tera Low 3.51 low range for about $800. If you use the Dana 20 on the TH400 you must get the adapter plate and must find a Jeep Dana 20 because it has a 10 spline input shaft as non Jeep Dana 20s have 23 spline input shafts and wont work with the TH400.

[FSJeeper]

Whether you have the Borg-Warner T-18 4 speed transmission or the GM TH-400 3 speed automatic both came with the Dana 20 transfer case in the J10 and J20. The Dana 20 transfer case is a very strong gear driven transfer case, although it only has a 2.03 low range you can get the Tera Low 3.51 low range for about $800. If you use the Dana 20 on the TH400 you must get the adapter plate and must find a Jeep Dana 20 because it has a 10 spline input shaft as non Jeep Dana 20s have 23 spline input shafts and wont work with the TH400.

The Qtrac came on most T400 equipped FSJ's between 74 and 79 came with the Qtrac. You could get the D20 on the T400 but the Qtrac is much more common. The Qtrac is so much stronger than the puny little D20 you can't even compare them.

The D20 is an upgraded D18 made for the FSJ's starting in 62. The technology is pure 40's level stuff and the D20 was designed for a low powered 6 cylinder, not a modern V-8.

Putting a 3 to 1 kit in an already weak tcase is not smart unless you upgrade to 32 spline outers also which drives the price of modifying the weak tcase up to over $1000. Buying an adapter for the T400 will run another $500. Not smart because the lower gears multipy torque even greater on an already stressed tcase.

The NP208 has a higher torque rating than the NP205 and better gearing. You can buy a comon Chevy T400 and NP208 for $200 is you shop. Take the mainshaft and adapter off the Chevy unit, install in the Jeep T400 and you have a much stronger unit for less than $500 including the rebuild of the T400 if you do it yourself or find someone to do a quality bench rebuild like I have gotten done for $200 plus parts. This setup is so much stronger than a D20 it is riduculous.

Putting a part time kit in which replaces the cones in the Qtrac makes the most sense. Qtrac gets a bad rap due to not using the right lube in the tcase and not servicing it properly. The chain stretches and the cones wear out. A well serviced Qtrac within factory specs performs excellently. The part time kit eliminates the cones making it even more reliable.

[8379qtj10]

GO QT!!!!

I was thinking about a D20 but my eyes have been opened
Thanks FSJeeper

[Reebles]

Why swap out the QT? It's a good heavy duty t-case with a decent low range. Why spend money if you don't have to?
Well...I am thinking of just doing the part time conversion now.

[fulsizjeep]

He sees the light! :thumbsup: I might slap dirty words on QTs, but I am a harmless heretic. They are the best transfer case ever installed in a FSJ by the factory. There, I said it. :o I will still take away your pain if you want to ship them to Jubilee Jeep Stables however. I have 9 on the floor of my shop now in various conditions. Most of them just need a part time kit and chain to come back to life as most the differentials are blown out inside. Number 9 is an NOS going in Krista's Waggy soon. I was gonna tear it down for inspection and measurements, but it has been waiting for my left hand to feel better before I take that on. This project has been on hold too long and at this point, I am just going to put new output shaft seals in it and let Krista drive it like she stole it. :cool:

In case anyone is looking, we have 2 QTs with 16% OD Part Time kits in them for sale. One is complete with only 40k miles on the PT kit and the other needs a chain and thrust washer.

The first one is negotiable and if you are interested, PM me.

The second one is cheap and listed here:
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=59084

There, that is my plug for the day... :whistle:

[FSJeeper]

They are the best transfer case ever installed in a FSJ by the factory.
There, that is my plug for the day... :whistle:

Hmmmmmmmm, did you mean best full time case or best case of all? If best case of all, well, I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. I would say the NP208 is better than the Qtrac because it is part time and doesn't have the differential in its design. The NP201 in the M715's wasn't too shabby either.

[fulsizjeep]

Good Point... Ouch, don't jab so hard. :p The NP208 is no slouch and I have one in my 88 wheeler. I am open for debate. ;) I think the QT is the best offered for "everything" use and definitely prefer one for snow & ice. :cool: I had to learn new ice & snow driving techniques when I put the 208 in the GW.

[jtr]

Correct. The only 208 with a fixed yoke is the Dodge.

Ford too!:thumbsup:




http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i137/justinroose/Img_0648.jpg

[Green Giant]

Good advice there. I have collected parts to swap in a 727- D300 in place of my Q-T.
I haven't had a problem one with the Q-T though. I'm running a centered J truck rear and a SOA w/TT's shackle flip and the Q-T is doing just fine. I will admit that I've not pushed it to the limit yet ( been to URE twice), but it drives fine.
Right!
38" TSLs, 6" of lift, and 5 bodies going up Daniel is not pushing it.
And that was the inaugral run too I believe.:drivin:
I'd hate to see you really stress it!