Ford to Chevy question.

[homelessduck]

What output splines do the diesels have? I have been trying to figure out which engine to swap into my Suburban, and I have realized that I want an IDI in there! I don't mind running a divorced t-case, but if I could bolt the Chevy adapter + case to the diesel I would be a lot happier..

 

[THECACKLER]

If you're going to put a Ford engine & tranny into a GM 4x4 and are OK with a divorced X-fer Case, then the output spline count doesn't really matter. If you are going to marry the Ford trans to a GM case then you will need to get a 31 spline input gear for the case. If you go with all Ford gears, you will have to swap the front axle to Left Hand drop or run some late model GM Puke that isn't the old Right Hand drop. I have seen cases run upside down to do this but I shake my head at that scenario. Best thing is if you have an older decent GM front axle (D44HD or better) is to go with a divorced case.
So, you don't like the 6.2's ??? Neither do I...

 

[homelessduck]

I am OK with a divorced case, but would rather mate it. A 6.2/6.5l is still in the back of my head, but I don't really like the idea. I'm keeping the Chevy axles, and sticking with a passenger drop t-case. I was just wondering if the spline count was the same. I read all about it years ago, but wasn't 100% sure which had which splines. So the T-case would need a 31spline input... Hmm, I'm pretty sure the GM and Ford inputs are a direct swap, for the 205's at least (?). Maybe I will just run a Chevy 205 mated to the Ford case. Let's see, does the adapter have to be notched for the shift rails like it does for the Ford 205?

It would probably be a lot easier to just run a divorced case.. I just wanted the down time to be minimal and not have to mess with fabbing shifters,etc.

 

[THECACKLER]

I haven't played with a NP205 in a few years, but if you're going for the "King of Cast Iron" get one with the industry standard 6 bolt pattern adapter from behind a later (like 1986 on) TH400 and then just swap out the input gear with one from a Ford. Not sure but worst case is you might have to machine the front bearing seat in the case to take the input gear. Check with OffroadDesign. Correct me if I'm wrong. They can supply the gear and info. Good folks, Good parts, Good prices.

EDIT: The TH400 GM 32 spline and the Ford 31 spline both used the same big bearing so no case machining is needed to swap the Input gears.

 

[82F100SWB]

If you can find a late 6 bolt round pattern Chevy 205, which is probably going to be a 32 spliner from behind a TH400, all you need to do is swap a ford input into it. Might need to clearance the adapter for the shift rail like Ford did on the drivers side, but, nothing overly complicated about it.
You could do a 203/205 doubler with a Ford 203 and a Chevy 205, but, that's not really necessary for a non wheeling rig...

 

[plywood]

I wonder if you couldn't do a 4 spd Chevy manual mated to whatever case with a Ford bellhousing and input shaft for the tranny.

That is unless your stuck on the idea of an auto.

 

[homelessduck]

If you can find a late 6 bolt round pattern Chevy 205, which is probably going to be a 32 spliner from behind a TH400, all you need to do is swap a ford input into it. Might need to clearance the adapter for the shift rail like Ford did on the drivers side, but, nothing overly complicated about it.
You could do a 203/205 doubler with a Ford 203 and a Chevy 205, but, that's not really necessary for a non wheeling rig...

It will get wheeled. The body won't stay straight for long. Don't have the cash for a doubler right now though.

That's what I was thinking about the round pattern 205. Sounds like it should be fairly easy. Now... will the stock 'Burb rad cool the IDI.. Hmm...

Not stuck on an auto, but it's a plus. It will be my dd, and will see a lot of highway miles. That is a good idea though.. I will look into it.

 

[yotee]

may wanna read http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/942927-the-not-quite-bolt-in-np205.html before you start trying to marry the zf5 an 205. the 205 is not as bolt in as they say. doesn't look too hard though.

 

[homelessduck]

may wanna read http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/942927-the-not-quite-bolt-in-np205.html before you start trying to marry the zf5 an 205. the 205 is not as bolt in as they say. doesn't look too hard though.

I don't think it will be getting a zf5. Thanks though!

 

[82F100SWB]

Interesting, that's the first I've seen mentioned of needing machine work for a 205 other than grinding for the shift rail.
A 205 definitely needs a proper support setup behind a ZF though, the sheer weight of the thing will crack the tailhousing on the ZF eventually.