Dana 20 or Dana 205? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

swyfor5 · 06-06-2009, 03:30 PM

Found this in my 1982 Chilton book. In the tranfer case section it say's:There are 4 transfer cases used. The Dana 20 is used, 1969-74, mainly in three speed manual transmission applications with the smaller engines. It can be identified by the two plunger shift control rods at the right front. The New Process 205 is a conventional t-case, used mainly with the larger engines, 1969-74, and as the only conventional t-case, 1975-80. It has a large New Process emblem on the back of the case. Ok, maybe the 307 motor would have been considered a "smaller engine"? Any way of finding out what original setup was? Vin # is too generic!

swyfor5 · 06-06-2009, 06:15 PM

Ok, I need some help here! My memory is going fast. If I'm going from the dana 20 to the np205, is it a direct swap in, or do I need an adapter? Really leaning toward getting a np205 and upgrading. Also do I need to drop the crossmember? It just seems strange that GM would have used these different t-cases, and require so much modification to change parts?

Blazer1970 · 06-07-2009, 06:22 AM

Yes, different adapter and the crossmember needs to drop about an inch or so.

swyfor5 · 06-08-2009, 06:46 PM

Ok, I understand about the adapter. But why does the x-member have to be dropped?

blue70k5 · 06-09-2009, 12:21 AM

The 205 is quite a bit bigger and I think it will touch the floor of the tub if you dont drop the crossmember...

Blazer1970 · 06-09-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue70k5

The 205 is quite a bit bigger and I think it will touch the floor of the tub if you dont drop the crossmember...

Yup, a 205 will hit the floor pan with the crossmember from a Dana 20. I'm sure the crossmember could also be spaced down.

**Yukon Jack** · 06-09-2009, 09:21 AM

Here's a pic of the simple spacer I made when I put an NP205 in my Dana 20 originally equipped K5

swyfor5 · 06-09-2009, 03:49 PM

Ok, I get it now. I see why the crossmember needs to be dropped, they are the same member right?

Blazer1970 · 06-09-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Ok, I get it now. I see why the crossmember needs to be dropped, they are the same member right?

The factory crossmember for the 205 is taller (deeper) and does not require spacers.

swyfor5 · 06-11-2009, 03:13 PM

Ok, so I just need to locate a np205 t-case and a crossmember for the same and swap it in! Probably the way to go instead of the big bucks for the lomax case. Cool!

swyfor5 · 06-11-2009, 03:15 PM

Oh, I almost forgot, gonna need the adapter for the 4 speed trans. Yeah!

swyfor5 · 09-28-2009, 09:14 PM

Ok, back to this point. Funds are becoming available for the project soon. Not so much rip and tear, but parts purchasing! Have decided on the drivetrain setup for now. As planned before, 1-ton axle setup. Have decided on staying with the SM465 4-speed manual transmission, after a complete rebuild. Going to swap out the Dana 20 T-case for rebuilt NP205 T-case. I know that will need the adapter for the transmission/transfer case setup, plus the NP205 crossmember. Not to mention the new poly mounts for both apps! Any help guy's?

vtblazer · 09-29-2009, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swyfor5

Probably the way to go instead of the big bucks for the lomax case. Cool!

The bucks shelled out for a LoMax 205 are all about the lower gearing you get over a stock 205.

Arizonak5 · 09-29-2009, 12:05 PM

Correct me if im wrong 69 was the only year og to have a dana 20, in 70 they went to 205?

swyfor5 · 09-29-2009, 01:26 PM

Everything I've found so far say's the 20 was used from 69-74. VT, going to go with the NP205 instead of the Lomax because of my intended usage, the NP205 should be low enough. Not to mention the cost savings. Now that I've made up my mind, it's time to start looking for a NP205 crossmember and an adapter to mate up the 465 trans to the NP205 t-case. Oh and shell out the dough for a NP205 t-case. Here I go! This looks like the best starting point for my new drivetrain. Any thoughts?

**Yukon Jack** · 09-29-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arizonak5

Correct me if im wrong 69 was the only year og to have a dana 20, in 70 they went to 205?

My 70 K5 with an SM465 originally had the Dana 20

swyfor5 · 10-02-2009, 09:22 PM

Np205 it is! I figure I can swap out the whole drivetrain- front dana 44, dana 20 t-case, stock 12 bolt , etc. Help offsett the cost of the upgrade. Not to mention the 6 lug wheels with almost like new 39.5 super swamper tsl"s that will have to go for the 1 ton setup! Also have a few spare parts laying around that might help with the future projects cost. Focus as of now is to look for a reliable company to purchase the NP 205 from, and locate a adapter and crossmember for this swap!

vtblazer · 10-03-2009, 08:06 AM

Why buy new when there's thousands around?

swyfor5 · 10-03-2009, 11:12 AM

Nothing used for sale close to home here. Found a company called Poly Performance Inc., that sells em. They call it a Offroad Design complete NP205. Completly rebuilt and ready to bolt up. Cost for the 465 transmission one is $800.00. Just want something allready to bolt in. Still have to find the proper adapter and crossmember.

vtblazer · 10-03-2009, 11:32 AM

No bone yards or anything...?

Easy place to save a bunch of cash, what about putting a WTB post in the parts for sale section?

I just tossed two of em out that were still in parts trucks that got hauled away.

swyfor5 · 10-03-2009, 05:10 PM

Searched some more, ORD has the rebuilt 205's for $750.00. Looking at Advance Adapters for the proper adapter, still need to find a used original NP205 crossmember for my 1970 K5.

swyfor5 · 10-25-2009, 11:02 AM

Found a np205 crossmember on e-bay, it said it is the low style. Are there different styles or just one? I really want to swap in the proper member and not just use spacers to drop my Dana 20 crossmember. Any thoughts?

swyfor5 · 10-26-2009, 12:10 AM

Got the proper crossmember coming from ebay, along with a new shift lever for the NP205 transfer case. Just need the rebuilt NP205 t case and the new poly mounts. Oh, and the adapter for the 465 trans to the NP205 t-case.Yeah, here I go! Buying parts- gotta love it!

*2tons of fun* · 10-26-2009, 12:43 AM

you keep saying adapter and tcase but i havent seen you say anything about the coupler shaft.

idk if you know that the out put for the trans and the input for the case are both male? you need to find the coupler shaft aswell or you will scrathing your head as to why it wont budge in any gear.

from an earlier post:

not every 3spd got the 20, they also got the t221 as well as some of the 465's. it was a real transision period for chevy and it took some time to smooth things out.

swyfor5 · 10-26-2009, 04:48 PM

First I've heard of a coupler shaft. Can anybody clue me in here? I thought that was what the adapter was for. Anybody got pic's?

06-06-2009, 03:30 PM	#26
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Found this in my 1982 Chilton book. In the tranfer case section it say's:There are 4 transfer cases used. The Dana 20 is used, 1969-74, mainly in three speed manual transmission applications with the smaller engines. It can be identified by the two plunger shift control rods at the right front. The New Process 205 is a conventional t-case, used mainly with the larger engines, 1969-74, and as the only conventional t-case, 1975-80. It has a large New Process emblem on the back of the case. Ok, maybe the 307 motor would have been considered a "smaller engine"? Any way of finding out what original setup was? Vin # is too generic!

06-06-2009, 06:15 PM	#27
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Ok, I need some help here! My memory is going fast. If I'm going from the dana 20 to the np205, is it a direct swap in, or do I need an adapter? Really leaning toward getting a np205 and upgrading. Also do I need to drop the crossmember? It just seems strange that GM would have used these different t-cases, and require so much modification to change parts?

06-07-2009, 06:22 AM	#28
Blazer1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Old Mission, MI, USA Posts: 2,510	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Yes, different adapter and the crossmember needs to drop about an inch or so. __________________ Tim

06-08-2009, 06:46 PM	#29
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Ok, I understand about the adapter. But why does the x-member have to be dropped?

06-09-2009, 12:21 AM	#30
blue70k5 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Galveston, Tx Posts: 114	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? The 205 is quite a bit bigger and I think it will touch the floor of the tub if you dont drop the crossmember...

06-09-2009, 09:21 AM	#32
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,683	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Here's a pic of the simple spacer I made when I put an NP205 in my Dana 20 originally equipped K5 Attached Images __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 Last edited by Yukon Jack; 06-09-2009 at 09:21 AM.

06-09-2009, 03:49 PM	#33
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Ok, I get it now. I see why the crossmember needs to be dropped, they are the same member right?

06-11-2009, 03:13 PM	#35
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Ok, so I just need to locate a np205 t-case and a crossmember for the same and swap it in! Probably the way to go instead of the big bucks for the lomax case. Cool!

06-11-2009, 03:15 PM	#36
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Oh, I almost forgot, gonna need the adapter for the 4 speed trans. Yeah!

09-28-2009, 09:14 PM	#37
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Ok, back to this point. Funds are becoming available for the project soon. Not so much rip and tear, but parts purchasing! Have decided on the drivetrain setup for now. As planned before, 1-ton axle setup. Have decided on staying with the SM465 4-speed manual transmission, after a complete rebuild. Going to swap out the Dana 20 T-case for rebuilt NP205 T-case. I know that will need the adapter for the transmission/transfer case setup, plus the NP205 crossmember. Not to mention the new poly mounts for both apps! Any help guy's?

09-29-2009, 12:05 PM	#39
Arizonak5 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Queen Tuckey! aka Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 149	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Correct me if im wrong 69 was the only year og to have a dana 20, in 70 they went to 205? __________________ 1937 Pontiac 2dr 1970 K5 CST 1972 Jimmy 1973 Hickey ent. equipped Blazer 1977 Blazer Chalet #1193

09-29-2009, 01:26 PM	#40
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Everything I've found so far say's the 20 was used from 69-74. VT, going to go with the NP205 instead of the Lomax because of my intended usage, the NP205 should be low enough. Not to mention the cost savings. Now that I've made up my mind, it's time to start looking for a NP205 crossmember and an adapter to mate up the 465 trans to the NP205 t-case. Oh and shell out the dough for a NP205 t-case. Here I go! This looks like the best starting point for my new drivetrain. Any thoughts?

10-02-2009, 09:22 PM	#42
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Np205 it is! I figure I can swap out the whole drivetrain- front dana 44, dana 20 t-case, stock 12 bolt , etc. Help offsett the cost of the upgrade. Not to mention the 6 lug wheels with almost like new 39.5 super swamper tsl"s that will have to go for the 1 ton setup! Also have a few spare parts laying around that might help with the future projects cost. Focus as of now is to look for a reliable company to purchase the NP 205 from, and locate a adapter and crossmember for this swap!

10-03-2009, 08:06 AM	#43
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Why buy new when there's thousands around?

10-03-2009, 11:12 AM	#44
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Nothing used for sale close to home here. Found a company called Poly Performance Inc., that sells em. They call it a Offroad Design complete NP205. Completly rebuilt and ready to bolt up. Cost for the 465 transmission one is $800.00. Just want something allready to bolt in. Still have to find the proper adapter and crossmember.



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10-03-2009, 11:32 AM	#45
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? No bone yards or anything...? Easy place to save a bunch of cash, what about putting a WTB post in the parts for sale section? I just tossed two of em out that were still in parts trucks that got hauled away.

10-03-2009, 05:10 PM	#46
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Searched some more, ORD has the rebuilt 205's for $750.00. Looking at Advance Adapters for the proper adapter, still need to find a used original NP205 crossmember for my 1970 K5.

10-25-2009, 11:02 AM	#47
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Found a np205 crossmember on e-bay, it said it is the low style. Are there different styles or just one? I really want to swap in the proper member and not just use spacers to drop my Dana 20 crossmember. Any thoughts?

10-26-2009, 12:10 AM	#48
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? Got the proper crossmember coming from ebay, along with a new shift lever for the NP205 transfer case. Just need the rebuilt NP205 t case and the new poly mounts. Oh, and the adapter for the 465 trans to the NP205 t-case.Yeah, here I go! Buying parts- gotta love it!

10-26-2009, 12:43 AM	#49
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? you keep saying adapter and tcase but i havent seen you say anything about the coupler shaft. idk if you know that the out put for the trans and the input for the case are both male? you need to find the coupler shaft aswell or you will scrathing your head as to why it wont budge in any gear. from an earlier post: not every 3spd got the 20, they also got the t221 as well as some of the 465's. it was a real transision period for chevy and it took some time to smooth things out. Last edited by 2tons of fun; 10-26-2009 at 12:45 AM.

10-26-2009, 04:48 PM	#50
swyfor5 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marion, Mi. Posts: 2,429	Re: Dana 20 or Dana 205? First I've heard of a coupler shaft. Can anybody clue me in here? I thought that was what the adapter was for. Anybody got pic's?

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