divorced np205, looking to convert 2wd

[Vbb199]

got a 1990 suburban, and i have a divorced np205 out of a international i was going to use on my big k5 build. decided on a 2.5 ton case, so the 205 is available for a 4x4 conversion. the suburban is 2wd, i want to buy a 1/2 ton set of axles for it, and convert it over to 4x4. i know i need to switch power steering boxes, do spring hangers and all. my question is, id like to just keep my 700 in the truck, and mounted up a divorced 205 behind it, seems like less work *to me*. im not a huge fan of transmission pulling and all being as i work alone, besides, im also not a huge fan of fiddling around with 700r4's anyways, not to mention the TV cable..... theyre finicky, and ive burned up 2 700's already, im scared to look at them, my feelings on a 700 is, if its not broken, dont fix it jackass! (talking to myself). I'd rather just leave it well enough alone instead of playing with fire.

so my question: i know that none of the chevy trucks ever came with divorce mounted cases, all married. but i ponder out loud, how much trouble would it be to fab up mounts and have a divorced case in the truck? other issue would be where the shifter lands, but with a little chop chop and weld splatter or a remote cable shifter, it could be in the factory position. i also know id need a front shaft, and the rear be shortened a bit. is this just over the top or does it even sound like a half decent idea? im not a "just buy something" kinda guy, im a DIY kinda guy, i want to convert it myself, instead of just buying a 4x4 burb.

looking for all input, good and bad, aint gonna hurt my feelings.
thanks guys

 

[Honky Kong jr]

got a 1990 suburban, and i have a divorced np205 out of a international i was going to use on my big k5 build. decided on a 2.5 ton case, so the 205 is available for a 4x4 conversion. the suburban is 2wd, i want to buy a 1/2 ton set of axles for it, and convert it over to 4x4. i know i need to switch power steering boxes, do spring hangers and all. my question is, id like to just keep my 700 in the truck, and mounted up a divorced 205 behind it, seems like less work *to me*. im not a huge fan of transmission pulling and all being as i work alone, besides, im also not a huge fan of fiddling around with 700r4's anyways, not to mention the TV cable..... theyre finicky, and ive burned up 2 700's already, im scared to look at them, my feelings on a 700 is, if its not broken, dont fix it jackass! (talking to myself). I'd rather just leave it well enough alone instead of playing with fire.

so my question: i know that none of the chevy trucks ever came with divorce mounted cases, all married. but i ponder out loud, how much trouble would it be to fab up mounts and have a divorced case in the truck? other issue would be where the shifter lands, but with a little chop chop and weld splatter or a remote cable shifter, it could be in the factory position. i also know id need a front shaft, and the rear be shortened a bit. is this just over the top or does it even sound like a half decent idea? im not a "just buy something" kinda guy, im a DIY kinda guy, i want to convert it myself, instead of just buying a 4x4 burb.

looking for all input, good and bad, aint gonna hurt my feelings.
thanks guys

Put your tons under it with cross over steering using the 2wd steering box. Or I’ll trade you my 1/2 ton axles lol

 

[Vbb199]

Put your tons under it with cross over steering using the 2wd steering box. Or I’ll trade you my 1/2 ton axles lol

ah man, if you mean the 60 and 70hd, ive already traded those guys off! only axles i have at this point are the 5 tons, and you already know what those are for!

 

[Vbb199]

Put your tons under it with cross over steering using the 2wd steering box. Or I’ll trade you my 1/2 ton axles lol

dont really need crossover for the burb anyways to be honest, looking to just run 30's or 31's. keep it stock ride, i gotta have 1 daily driver that doesnt suck 5mpg

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I have a K5 chassis but I’m keeping the 30 spline front axles for spares.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

dont really need crossover for the burb anyways to be honest, looking to just run 30's or 31's. keep it stock ride, i gotta have 1 daily driver that doesnt suck 5mpg

With the 60 that’s how I’d do it with a 2wd box

 

[Vbb199]

what year? how much, how much rust? i see a PA location, so i gotta ask about rust lol

 

[Vbb199]

With the 60 that’s how I’d do it with a 2wd box

suppose if im looking for the most direct and simple route, you have a point, just run crossover. steer better anyways, i only think of crossover in terms of big tires, or big lift though, but you got a point

 

[Honky Kong jr]

suppose if im looking for the most direct and simple route, you have a point, just run crossover. steer better anyways, i only think of crossover in terms of big tires, or big lift though, but you got a point

You could use a Ford 44 with flat tops swap the backing plates and rotors and have the 6 lug pattern.

 

[Vbb199]

i can make anything work i reckon if i put my mind to it. i flat topped the knucle for the ford 60, and drew up a steering arm for crossover, was going to drill and tap the arm, never got that far before i sold it all and got my rocks. i had saw that ruffstuff sold a crossover knuckle for a 44, i assume itd bolt right on the 10 bolt. or i could find something myself, and make it crossover. aint no limits when your dad has his own machine shop that you got access to

 

[Vbb199]

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pictures from the 60 project that i never finished

 

[shiftpro]

I don't know enough to have an opinion on divorced transfer cases.
I do however have experience and knowledge around 2x frames converted to 4x4.
I have mentioned it at least three time on this forum and I still see guys here advising the wrong advise.
Get it straight guys, there is only ONE WAY to use a 2x frame for 4x4, and that is to GO BIG by using 52" rear springs and a kit from DIY4x4
to hang them. You can not and will not ever just mount 4x4 hangers on a 2x frame. It will NOT work unless you go big.
Now by going big, the kit to mount 52" springs will give you life and travel and you will need shocks with at 24" of travel. You will end up
with about 6" of lift at the very least, depending on the arch the springs you use have left in them.
I'm not even going to bother explaining why a 2x frame does not work because I have already done did that... a few times.

http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17715&cat=250&page=1

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I don't know enough to have an opinion on divorced transfer cases.
I do however have experience and knowledge around 2x frames converted to 4x4.
I have mentioned it at least three time on this forum and I still see guys here advising the wrong advise.
Get it straight guys, there is only ONE WAY to use a 2x frame for 4x4, and that is to GO BIG by using 52" rear springs and a kit from DIY4x4
to hang them. You can not and will not ever just mount 4x4 hangers on a 2x frame. It will NOT work unless you go big.
Now by going big, the kit to mount 52" springs will give you life and travel and you will need shocks with at 24" of travel. You will end up
with about 6" of lift at the very least, depending on the arch the springs you use have left in them.
I'm not even going to bother explaining why a 2x frame does not work because I have already done did that... a few times.

http://diy4x.com/product.php?productid=17715&cat=250&page=1

Nothing wrong with 6” lift

 

[shiftpro]

Nothing wrong with 6” lift

Yeah especially without body lift.
... if the owner wants that.
Also pretty much have to go cross over steering unless it's a mall cruiser.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Yeah especially without body lift.
... if the owner wants that.
Also pretty much have to go cross over steering unless it's a mall cruiser.

I know you don’t like body lifts, I’m not a fan either but I needed it to achieve my badass exhaust lol