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What vehicles came with NP205?

The NP205 transfer case is a legendary component in the world of off-road and heavy-duty vehicles. Developed by New Process Gear, a division of General Motors, the NP205 has been a staple in a wide range of vehicles, from rugged trucks to powerful SUVs. This article will delve into the history, features, and applications of the NP205 transfer case, providing a comprehensive overview of this iconic automotive part.


What is the NP205 Transfer Case?


The NP205 transfer case is a mechanical device that distributes power from the vehicle's transmission to both the front and rear axles. This allows the vehicle to operate in four-wheel-drive (4WD) mode, providing enhanced traction and off-road capabilities. The NP205 is known for its robust construction, durability, and reliable performance, making it a popular choice among manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.


History and Development


The NP205 transfer case was first introduced in the late 1960s by New Process Gear, a subsidiary of General Motors. It was designed to replace the older NP203 transfer case, which had been in use since the 1950s. The NP205 was engineered to be more compact, lighter, and more efficient than its predecessor, while still maintaining the same level of strength and reliability.

Over the years, the NP205 has been used in a variety of vehicles, including the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep CJ, and numerous heavy-duty trucks. Its versatility and durability have made it a staple in the off-road and commercial vehicle markets.p>

Key Features and Specifications



  • Robust Construction: The NP205 is built with heavy-duty components, such as a cast-iron housing and high-strength gears, ensuring it can withstand the demands of off-road use and heavy-duty applications.

  • Gear Ratios: The NP205 typically offers a range of gear ratios, including a high-range for normal driving and a low-range for more challenging terrain or towing.

  • Shift-on-the-Fly Capability: Many NP205-equipped vehicles allow the driver to shift between two-wheel-drive (2WD) and 4WD modes while the vehicle is in motion, providing greater flexibility and control.

  • Adaptability: The NP205 has been used in a wide range of vehicles, from light-duty SUVs to heavy-duty commercial trucks, demonstrating its versatility and ability to meet the needs of various applications.


The NP205's combination of strength, reliability, and adaptability has made it a popular choice among manufacturers and enthusiasts alike, cementing its status as a workhorse of the automotive world.


Applications and Vehicles


The NP205 transfer case has been used in a wide range of vehicles over the years, including:



  • Chevrolet Blazer

  • Ford Bronco

  • Jeep CJ and Wrangler

  • Dodge Ram and other heavy-duty trucks

  • GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado

  • International Harvester Scout


These vehicles, known for their off-road capabilities and heavy-duty performance, have benefited greatly from the NP205's robust design and reliable operation. The transfer case has played a crucial role in enabling these vehicles to tackle challenging terrain and demanding tasks with confidence.

What years did Chevy use the NP205?


1973-1991 Chevy & GMC NP205 Transfer Case Parts. Shop Now for Parts, Tools, Info for 1973-1991 GM New Process NP205 Transfer Cases. In stock availability on most items for quick shipping. The NP205 is a cast iron, gear drive transfer case with a 1:1 high range and a 1.96:1 low range.



What wears out a transfer case?


Transfer cases rely on specialized fluid for lubrication and cooling. Over time, the seals can wear out and lead to fluid leaks. A low fluid level can cause the transfer case to overheat and fail. Regularly checking for leaks and maintaining the correct fluid level can prevent severe damage.



What did the NP205 come in?


The NP205 transfer case is a heavy-duty, gear-driven unit manufactured by New Process Gear in Syracuse, New York. It was introduced in 1969 and used until about 1993. The part-time, manual-shift T-case was found in GM, Ford, Dodge, and International Harvester vehicles, and in some construction/industrial equipment.



What did the AR5 come in?


The AR5 is a five-speed transmission, with 5th being overdrive, that is found in 2005-and-up Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks, the 2006-and-up Pontiac Solstice and the 2007-up Saturn Skye.



What truck came with a NP205?


Ford used NP205's almost exclusively from '74-'79, they are a mixture of married and divorced versions, all are left hand drop. Dodge used divorced NP205's from '69-'74 in their entire truck line, then used married NP205's only in the W250 and W350 trucks from '80-'93.



Is NP205 a good transfer case?


It's hard to make a case that an Atlas is stronger than an NP205. The 205 has a cast iron case and was used successfully in many different 1-ton truck applications, meaning that it was built to handle big-block torque while hauling a lot of weight.



How much HP can a NP205 handle?


This NP205 retrofit makes the t-case capable of “handling 1,000hp and 54-inch tires” boasts Kris Kusznieryk, the president of NWF.



Is a NP205 twin stick?


Twin-Stick 205
The NP205 was used by almost every fullsize truck manufacturer at one time or another and is frequently swapped into vehicles that chew up and spit out lesser transfer cases.



How do I know what NP205 I have?


The easiest way to identify the NP205 is by the rear 3 bolt cover on the idler shaft. Once you know that you have a NP205 transfer case, the next thing is to identify the make (GM, Dodge or Ford).



What trucks came with a NP205?


Ford used NP205's almost exclusively from '74-'79, they are a mixture of married and divorced versions, all are left hand drop. Dodge used divorced NP205's from '69-'74 in their entire truck line, then used married NP205's only in the W250 and W350 trucks from '80-'93.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.