NP205 side mount to frame ???

[gregbr]

I've heard many people say not to use the 205 side mount bracket that connects to the frame. What's the pros and cons of using the side mount brace?

That heavy 205 hanging there by only the adapter plate seems like a problem too. Then again, the side mount doesn't look like it helps a lot.... probably just keeping it from twisting from torque.

Thanks

[kwmech]

I've seen issues both ways. The real issue seems to be the type of 'wheelin' done in 4wd. If you are doing somethings extreme like rock crawling or deep frame twisting yeah you're gonna have a problem. Remove it to prevent breaking the adapter or tear the back part of the trans in half. OR have the same thing possibly happen b'cuz of the weight. GM went back and forth on this. I think if the rig is maintained, nuts and bolts kept tight and oil leaks repaired to keep mounts from deteriorating will greatly reduce damage. I've had trucks come in with all the mounts sagged out, tons of leaks that the mud soaked that takes a putty knife to find the head of the bolts. No breakage, no cracks- just clean it up and rebuild. then you have the clean truck that blows the whole thing all over the freeway. I know 1 thing though is keeping tabs on the front CV to prevent high speed vibration when driving in snow or accidentally leaving the hubs locked can create havoc also.

[truckster]

I can't really add to what KWMech said, except ditto. If the mounts are in good shape, you don't need the side bracket, and if they're not in good shape it's really not going to help.

[Dieselwrencher]

I don't have one on my 72 because I was afraid of breaking the transmission's adapter. I have another one I was going to replace the bushings with poly ones but I can't think it would be a great idea. I just think it would be too stiff and eventually break the adapter too. This truck is a 72 4 speed and will have a plow on it.

[57taskforce]

I left the side mount off on my 72 K20 4 speed. My adaptor was still in really good shape when I pulled the transmission and transfer case to rebuild them, I intend to keep the adaptor healthy for a long time to come.

[MJN]

Reading the other replies I must be the odd man out and still running the torque mount on my 205....with poly bushings. Never had an issue- figure its had it for close to 50 years without failing the adapter or causing any other damage.
I had a mud truck in college with a SM465/NP205 and I left this mount off- I had to keep an eye on the adapter bolts from backing out. Given this one saw a rough life on the trail I would have rather had the torque mount in place than have to stop on the trail to tighten adapter bolts.

[Dieselwrencher]

On my 72, the OD unit is the extension and is aluminum. This is why I left the side bracket off. Well, that and lots of horse torques. I don't want to have to pick up the 205 off the ground some day.

[gregbr]

Thanks for the input. I have poly bushings & mounts for everything, but thinking about staying with rubber for the body mounts.

So it sounds like poly bushings, no leaks, keeping the mounts tight it should be ok to keep the side mount. And when finished it won't be going off-road.