How do I identify my Chevy 205 transfer case?
To identify a Chevy 205 transfer case, locate the model or part number stamped on the case and cross-check it with your truck’s year and transmission. The most common GM 205 is the New Process NP205, a gear-type transfer case used in many 4x4 Chevys. This guide walks you through where to find the code, how to read it, and how to confirm you’ve got the correct variant.
Where the model number lives on the case
Start by locating the transfer case code. The model information is typically stamped into a flat machined pad on the exterior of the housing or on a small metal tag attached to the case. Cleaning the area can help reveal faint characters.
Reading the model code
- Look for a stamped line on the case that includes NP205 or a GM part number; the code is usually a short alphanumeric string.
- If there is a metal tag, read the model designation printed on it (often includes NP205 and a date or plant code).
- Check common stamping locations: the front face near the mount, the side near the fill hole, or the bottom edge of the housing.
- Record the exact characters you see, including any dashes or spaces.
Having the exact model code lets you verify compatibility with service manuals, parts catalogs, and online databases to confirm the variant.
How to verify the identification if the code is unclear
If the stamping is worn or unreadable, use physical cues and vehicle data to narrow down the variant.
- Cross-check your vehicle’s VIN and original drivetrain configuration to determine if a NP205 or another variant was installed from the factory.
- Compare the case’s overall shape, mounting bosses, and input/output shaft layout with reference photos of NP205 cases used in Chevy/GMC trucks.
- Consult a qualified mechanic or a dealer parts counter with clear photos and the VIN for expert confirmation.
If you're still unsure after these checks, consult a qualified mechanic or a dealership parts counter with your VIN and a few clear photos of the case; they can confirm the exact 205 variant and suggest the correct parts or a replacement unit.
Summary
In most cases, identifying a Chevy 205 transfer case comes down to finding and reading the model code stamped on the housing, then cross-referencing it with your vehicle’s year, transmission, and factory specs. The NP205 is the dominant GM variant, and a correct match ensures you source the right parts and the correct gear ratios and shift provisions for your truck.
