Posted by Jeff on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 2:03PM :
In Reply to: Re: 4X4 differences Pre 72/72 up posted by mark dingbaum on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 at 10:48AM :
Mark is correct, except 74 was still part time with the 205. some late 74's had the 203, but very few. As far as Mark's trail duster goes, it should have a 9.25, not an 8.25. In a rare case it would have a 8.75 (dropout diff), but that changed after 74 also. If you want a married 205, it was available in all cummins equipped trucks until 93, and a few 1-ton small blocks. The 4 speed available in all was the NP-435, until they went to 5-speed and then there was either a getrag or NV-4500 or NV-3500. I feel the 72-74 era trucks are better because of the divorced 205, however I would definitley upgrade to discs up front if towing a lot. A chevy (gasp) or dodge axle will work up front. The full-time 1/2ton trucks are OK, just dont get crazy with the size of tire, although I had one last 26,000 miles once with 35 inch tires without replacing the wheel bearings. That is the best luck I have had with them. Also the conversion kits for the 1/2 tons are quite expensive, and the locking hubs are obsurdly weak, so I would shop for a 3/4 ton.
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