Would you replace an NP 208?

The JC I recently acquired has an NP 208 mated to an SM 465 (mated to a GM 305). It would seem that the PO literally too the drive line guts from the donor vehicle and plopped them into the JC.

Everything I read about the NP 208 says the case is a good one. It's not a "holy grail" type of case but for what I think I want to do with the Jeep it should be fine.

My one thought though is that it is a big hunk o transfer case for the package that it sits in.

But, it's a Jeep, and this is a Jeep forum, so we need something to talk about.

*If* the stars and opportunities were to align, would you swap the 208 out with a Dana 20 or Dana 300? Conversion kit wise the cost (Novak) is similar. The trans appears to be the later model 32 spline out so I don't think I could do an NP 205.

Thoughts and comments appreciated!

Waggs

 

the 208 should have a lower low range and offer up better mpgs [ less drag ] and it's already in it my 2 cts

 

Nothing wrong with a 208. I would have to say the weakest point of it is the aluminum case when comparing it to a 20/300. I believe a planetary low range is stronger than a gear to gear.

 

The usual critique for the pickup drivetrain is that it's too long, or that the offset is too large for the narrow CJ/Jeepster frame rails. If the NP208 and adapter fit, then by all means run the NP208. The NP208 is plenty stout for a Jeepster. It's the predecessor to the NP241. Supposedly the aluminum case is more susceptible to rock hits than the iron cases, so a good skid plate would seem in order.

 

Well, I've never had issues with a NP208 and I like to apply the age old saying - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - of course I like to add that's always correct since there is ALWAYS something else to fix!

Kinda like the clutch rig on Fussy. They changed it over to a hydraulic slave system, but that was just to replace the clutch pedal cable, the slave pushes the pivot to pull the lower cable from the clutch fork. If I had done the hydraulic swap, I'd have run the slave right to the fork and eliminate all the cables, but it works, so I refuse to fix it until it's a problem. So far Fussy's been a good DD for about 7 weeks now.

Picked up a YJ with a nasty frame today for $800 so my 95 winter DD will have a better body than the cheese Flintstone tub I ran through last winter.

Always something to fix, swap, adapt, etc..... LOL.

 

Thanks for the replies all.

Waggs