What years did Ford use a divorced transfer case?
When it comes to off-road vehicles and trucks, the transfer case plays a crucial role in distributing power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. A "divorced" transfer case, unlike a "married" one, is not directly attached to the transmission but is instead connected via a short driveshaft. This design was popular in certain Ford vehicles during specific years, particularly in the mid-20th century. In this article, we’ll explore the years Ford utilized this setup and why it was significant.
What Is a Divorced Transfer Case?
A divorced transfer case is a separate unit from the transmission, connected by a driveshaft. This design allows for greater flexibility in drivetrain configurations, especially in vehicles with longer wheelbases or those requiring unique setups for off-road performance. While this design has largely been replaced by married transfer cases in modern vehicles, it was a common feature in older trucks and utility vehicles.
Ford's Use of Divorced Transfer Cases
Ford primarily used divorced transfer cases in their trucks and utility vehicles during the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s. These were commonly found in models such as the Ford F-Series trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles designed for off-road or utility purposes. The divorced transfer case was particularly advantageous for vehicles with longer wheelbases, as it allowed for better alignment and drivetrain flexibility.
Why Did Ford Transition Away from Divorced Transfer Cases?
By the mid-1970s, Ford and other manufacturers began transitioning to married transfer cases. This shift was driven by several factors:
- Compact Design: Married transfer cases take up less space, making them ideal for modern vehicle designs.
- Improved Efficiency: A married setup reduces the number of moving parts, leading to less drivetrain loss and better fuel efficiency.
- Ease of Manufacturing: Integrating the transfer case with the transmission simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs.
Conclusion
Ford's use of divorced transfer cases was a hallmark of their truck designs during the mid-20th century, particularly in vehicles built for heavy-duty and off-road applications. While this design has been phased out in favor of more compact and efficient married transfer cases, it remains a fascinating part of automotive history. If you own a classic Ford truck or are considering restoring one, understanding the role of the divorced transfer case can help you appreciate the engineering behind these iconic vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What truck had the NP205 transfer case?
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 trucks have a divorced transfer case?
All the napco gm trucks used a divorced case which was 50s in to the mid 60s. Ford ran both divorced and married in the 70s,The bronco and f150 was married the f250/f350 was half and half. Depends on the year. The divorced mount t case I'm most familiar with is the T-221.
What years did Ford use the NP205 transfer case?
Ford used NP205's almost exclusively from '74-'79, they are a mixture of married and divorced versions, all are left hand drop.
Is a Dana 300 a good transfer case?
The Dana 300 is found in 1980-1986 Jeep vehicles. It is one of the most respected transfer cases and is regarded as the gold standard by casual Jeepers up through the enthusiasts. While only provided in 1/4 Ton rated Jeeps, its strength surpasses this duty.
What is a twin stick transfer case?
One stick controls the front axle, and the other controls the rear axle. There are safety devices inside the case that prevent the axles from being mismatched. IE: Front low and rear hi at the same time. On a d300 (with twin sticks) you CAN run front 2wd lo and rear neutral at the same time.
What is the difference between a divorced and married transfer case?
Just count the yokes or shafts attached to the unit. If you see two (one output heading to the front axle and one output to the rear axle), it's a married case. Three yokes (one input, the rear output, and a front output) is found on divorced arrangements.
What is a 246 transfer case?
This transfer case is one of the so-called "automatic transfer cases,” or “active transfer cases.” This description results from the fact that the 246 has an "automatic 4WD function,” a 2WD position, a 4WD High function, neutral and 4WD Low position.
What years did Ford have a divorced transfer case?
These trucks generally had a divorced transfer case that made a taller stance obligatory. Later the term began to be used to refer to pre-1977 ½ Ford F-250 trucks (1967-1977 ½) with 4WD and a divorced transfer case.
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.
What did NP241C transfer case come in?
General Motors used the right-drop New Process NP241C two speed chain drive transfer case in 1988-1991 Blazer, Jimmy, and Suburban. We have many more parts for these cases than listed on our website.
