NP 205 questions

[Vintage Windmills]

Hi All, got my np 205 torn apart while restoring the K20. It looks to be in great shape but how exactly do you tell if the input shaft bearing between trans and tcase is good or should be replaced? It feels smooth and stable but the thrust play of the sleeve is about 0.010" and it will angle a degree or two if you push it sideways.

Rest of case looks great, I read that they hardly ever need bearings and this truck has only 90,000 on it and fluid was full and looked good. Teeth show no signs of wear. Anything else I should do besides bearings and seals before i put it back together?

Also, anyone know specs on the orange color of these?

These needle bearings are a pain aren't they? Stuff falling all over gosh darn it Do you guys use chassis grease to keep them in place for reassembly?

Thanks,

Jud

[Livrat]

Jud,
Assuming your talking about the bearing on the sleeve in the adapter between a t350 and the 205. It is the only one I usually find bad, Personally I would replace that one just because, Yes the rest of the bearings rarely ever need replacing unless of course the 205 had been run dry.
I would just do the one bearing and all the seals, make sure to compare the two seals in the adapter with your new ones as I have found there are more than one, I think there is a 1st design and 2nd design version. (not sure which is which)

I think the color is "Red Oxide" as in the old hot rod primer color.

Yup the needle bearings are a pain. I just use grease to hold them all in place.

If you remove the idler gear make sure you have the torque specs when putting the big nut back on, as the end play is crucial, I personally use locktite on the nut.

[Vintage Windmills]

Thanks Mark! it does look like red oxide now that you mention it.

[madcow75]

Yes use lots of grease for needle bearing re-assembly.

[Vintage Windmills]

Also do you guys know what bearings spin when in 2x4? Just the input and output or does the idler (middle gear) also turn? Mine's too hard to shift with some parts out now. Thinking maybe I'll replace all the 2x4 bearings to assure quiet operation since its apart this far anyways.