Driveline conundrum ... req opinions

[FlatlinesUp]

in planning my custom, I've got several choices to make and wanted to hear a few opinions

What I'm using:
M715
CUCV 1031 axle swap
5ton combat wheels w/C&M Performance centers
395/85r20 XZL's
BBC 468ci mildly modded

the trouble lays in the trans/xfer case choices
1. I've got a very nicly built low milage, 2wd TCI Turbo 400, that would require getting a divoced NP205 (don't have yet)
or:
2. use the low milage, married np205 and t400 from the CUCV

The CUCV np205 has a PTO on it that I'll need for future mods on the truck, but can be switched to the divorced one if need be.

Which way would you suggest I go and why?
Thanks for opinions/advice/wisdom etc

[snakeater]

i vote divorced. Unless you have a plan to rebuild or make driveshafts then either will work just fine. The married 400/205 will be less stuff to break, but will require making or extending driveshafts. Snakeater

[kwai]

I would go with the cucv th400 is a hd th400 (th475). Married 205 will also be less trouble down the road. Get a Lokar shifter for the th400 and you won't even need to mess with the trans access cover or shifter hole.

[randyscycle]

I'm with Kwai on this one......

One less pair of u-joints, a more modern transfer case, one simple lever, one crossmember, and probably a few pounds lighter overall too.

Divorced NP205's are getting a bit more scarce now, not impossible to find, but definitely not as plentiful as they once were.

[dahoyle]

Unfortunately, I would be in the same boat as you, and trying to make up my mind.

Ultimately, Married cases have shown themselves to be much stronger than I generally give them credit for, but I have never liked having a 205 hanging behind an aluminum tranny. They have certainly proven to be solid enough, just one of those things that doesn't give me a warm fuzzy, so I am very much a fan of divorced cases.

Ultimately, I doubt if either one would have a significant strength advantage, so I would probably go divorced(just my thing, if I have room)
I Like the flexibility of running unconventional transmissions, and the divorced setup allows that. If you are certain to keep a TH400 in it, I'd probably suggest simplicity, and married case.
Tough call.

[FlatlinesUp]

other things to consider to make it more muddy lol

w/the divorced you get better driveline angles (if you go big)

but w/the divorced, you add two more joints to fail that you have to carry spares for, and another shaft waiting down there to suck up rocks/trees etc

aaarggghhh lol

I've got a feeling it'll be self fullfilling once I actually get to that point and see what I have in hand vs what I have to buy/fab to get it to work.

Thanks for the help all.
Britt

[Ronner]

Unless you plan on going monster tall I'd stick with the married drive line. Yes mine is divorced, but that is because I plan on going with a modern OD trans some day in the future and this way I don't have to fret about expensive adapters or length.
If you aren't going that route just get a valve body shift kit for the CUCV setup and bolt it in. If you are worried about the t-case hanging off the trans make another mount for it. Too much support for the driveline isn't bad.
$.02

[Mudog715]

Had a divorced 205 in my '715 initially. Relocated it back a bit so the front and rear driveshafts were interchangable (one less spare to carry). Used a 1410-jointed jackshaft that was pretty much bulletproof. Overall the setup worked well.

Later, I decided I wanted an Overdrive Auto and also the option for a Doubler. So out with the Divorced 205 & jackshaft and in with married 203/205 combo. Also lost the equal length driveshafts, although they are close enough that I can still substitute in a pinch. I like this setup MUCH better. It's just cleaner under the truck, one less driveshaft and 3 less grease points and I gained overdrive for MPG and 4:1 low range.

[FlatlinesUp]

Had a divorced 205 in my '715 initially. Relocated it back a bit so the front and rear driveshafts were interchangable (one less spare to carry). Used a 1410-jointed jackshaft that was pretty much bulletproof. Overall the setup worked well.

Later, I decided I wanted an Overdrive Auto and also the option for a Doubler. So out with the Divorced 205 & jackshaft and in with married 203/205 combo. Also lost the equal length driveshafts, although they are close enough that I can still substitute in a pinch. I like this setup MUCH better. It's just cleaner under the truck, one less driveshaft and 3 less grease points and I gained overdrive for MPG and 4:1 low range.

MD do you have a build thread?
I was considering going to a doubler and OD at a later point myself (ModI MkII lol)

[Ronner]

http://homepage.mac.com/m715/rigs/PhotoAlbum53.html

His web page.