What's with the divorced x-fer case setup?

[brownac1983]

What does everybody hate so much about the divorced transfer case setup on the early models? Is it a weak link? If so, which part? It seems to be an advantage, at least in regards to a lifted truck, since you should be able to put a spacer above the transfer case and maintain a better drive geometry by splitting the angle between the driveshafts. If anybody out there has broken this setup before, please let me know. I'm trying to knock out the weak links one at a time. As always, any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[averagef250]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a divorced setup. Some call them "ditch diggers" because the case hangs down right in the middle of the truck and will catch on things. The divorced case means extra parts and more to go wrong for some. It's my opinion that unless ground clearance is a major concern for you, beefing up the divorced setup is easier and better than going mated.

There's nothing wrong with the factory designed t-case angle. It's perfect. If you change it's angle you have to change the engine angle and both front and rear pinion angles to match.

The stock 1310/1330 U-joints these trucks came with are plenty for most. Upgrading to 1350's isn't necessary, but if you find you are breaking the little guys or wearing them out quickly from heavy towing and such then 1350's are the next step.

My '70 runs a divorced 205 case with the aftermarket drilled output shaft and 1350 spicer yokes milled for U-bolts. The NV4500 and the dana 70 have 1350 yokes. I had 3.5" chromoly center and rear drivelines made with oversize spicer slips and HD sealed lifetime spicer 1350 joints. The front driveline is a 3" with 1330 joints. The dana 70 rear is probably the week link in this drivetrain with what I use the truck for.

[ptodave]

I kinda like it. Not to good for bank climbs,cause it hangs so low. Always wondered if there was a way to move it straight up? Saw a picture of one that the guy had clocked so it was almost flat on bottom,was wondering about oiling issues. I bought a spare middle shaft for $10. I always carry it with me. Better have a good E-brake (I have none) cause when that shaft breaks its hard to keep truck from rolling away.LOL

[boots]

The problem is that it hangs so low, but you can fix that with a welder and some 1/4" plate like I did on my 68 crawler. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 4&start=30

[ptodave]

When you get the truck running and use the 4WD let me know how well those mounts hold up. PTO.

http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... ?cat=10578