Transfer case strut/rod

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Sublime

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Looking for the strut rod that attaches to the transfer case and transmission bell housing.
Not sure if there are different lengths?
1978 k10 step side, 350 / TH350 / NP203.
Thanks
 

nvrenuf

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They are different lengths. I don't think I've ever heard of one on a 203 application so you may have to fab one.
 

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Yeah I didn't know the 203 ever got the support bar.
 

CSFJ

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I'm thinking that he '79 I had back in high school had one on it. But, that was back in '92, so the memory isn't exactly clear.
 

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Hmm, so the 203 im my truck has the two large bolts on the pass side. I assumed they were for the bar? I figured the PO removed it. So what am I missing? Were they supported another way? Just rebuilt the engine thats torque(y) and want as much support as possible. Only having 7 bolts on the trans adapter seems weak to me.
 

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Hmm, so the 203 im my truck has the two large bolts on the pass side. I assumed they were for the bar? I figured the PO removed it. So what am I missing? Were they supported another way? Just rebuilt the engine thats torque(y) and want as much support as possible. Only having 7 bolts on the trans adapter seems weak to me.
The bar sounds right, but like I said, it was a long time and an ocean of beer ago. I've seen pics of the 205 cases having a short bracket attached to the frame from that mount point too. Maybe the heavy iron cases got those, and the aluminum cases got the support bar? I had to swap transmissions in that old '79, and I clearly remember the cast inspection cover with the rods up to the motor mounts, but the rod to the t-case, just isn't a clear memory.
 

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Does any of the service info on this site show those assemblies?
 

nvrenuf

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The bar vs side bracket is a year thing, it’s not determined by the tcase.

While the 203 has bolt holes, I’ve never seen any type of support on one. Not even a picture of one.
 

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Pages 7D-10 in both the '78 and '79 service manuals show a strut rod attached to a t-case. Unfortunately, it's an illustration, and not an actual photograph.
 

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Check parts manual???
 

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Pages 7D-10 in both the '78 and '79 service manuals show a strut rod attached to a t-case. Unfortunately, it's an illustration, and not an actual photograph.
So possibly the manuals we have uploaded here have a diagram? I'll have to go check it out as I have a few laying on the floor in the garage. I removed them because one end wasnt hooked up and wouldn't reach.

thanks to original poster for starting the conversation
 

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So possibly the manuals we have uploaded here have a diagram? I'll have to go check it out as I have a few laying on the floor in the garage. I removed them because one end wasnt hooked up and wouldn't reach.

thanks to original poster for starting the conversation
That's where I found the page/section number
 

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In my manual they speak of remove the transfer cast strut rod BUT they dont specify 205 vs 203. I do have the inspection plate with the struts going to the motor mounts. Maybe the photos below will help. Problem is I do not have photos of my Tcase as it is in the shop getting re-sealed. Now that im thinking about all of this and wanting to get as much support for the 203 as possible, Im wondering if I have the crossmember in correctly. I have seen some of them "inside" of the frame BUT I think that was 2wd. I have also seen "webbing" or gussets for the ones that mount inside of the rails. I does not make sense for this crossmember to be inside of the rails but it does not hurt to ask. And the crossmember bolt spacers, what is there purpose. Im thinking of removing them, why create more leverage with spacers?
Maybe a mod needs to move this thread to the now proper place OR I can start a new one if you like.
Thanks again for all of the help!!!!!!

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CSFJ

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Have you looked at the factory service manual pages yet?
 

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Have you looked at the factory service manual pages yet?

I have, I have a 1978 service manual, it appears the way I have the crossmember mounted is correct. But no mention of the crossmember bolt spacers. And I do see the illustration 7d-11 that appears to be a NP203.
Doing some more research I read that GM use to use a bracket from the Tcase to the frame which resulted in cracked transmissions and or adapter plates because of no "flex" so they went to the strut rod to allow more flexing. Again that is just someones opinion from what I can gather.
 

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