Topic: Flippin a 231

[ragincajun]

Can a np231 be flipped?

I have a line on some 44 front and rears locked with 5.38's for a good price, but the only problem is its passenger drop.  So can it be or should I look for a D300

[dexetr30]

I'm not sure if it can be flipped or not. But I do know they aren't the greatest transfer cases. Best bet is to get the 300 and get a flip kit for it.

[Jeffy]

No it can not be flipped.  If you want a D300, you're going to have to swap transmisisons ot else make your own input shaft.  You could also go with an Atlas or a Stak.

NVG(NP)231's aren't that bad and aren't that weak.  They are susceptible to impact like all transfer cases.  But that can be fixed by getting driveshafts that are the correct length and building the suspension up so hangers won't shear.

[ragincajun]

novak offers a ax5 adaptor for the d300.  I know the ax5 is not the best tranny but this one has zero miles on it, so I want to stick with it for a bit.  I know my best bet is to replace the tcase, but budget issues dispute that.  the two previous axles mentioned with a complete front and rear spare axle(total of 4 axles) are 1K.  Good price?  They are out of a J20.  then I have a line on a 300 twin sticked for 300, and the adaptor for 375.  Figure 500 for new f and r driveshafts.

that puts the total swap at around $2200, for a twin sticked 300, and fornt and rear 44's locked with 5.38's.  Think thats a good deal?

[jagular7]

Depending on what trans you have, the D300 shouldn't be too hard just to drop in. The spline count, IIRC, is the same for the auto trans with 231, 23-splines(?). Bolt pattern is also the same. You'll probably need a new hole in the floor for the shifter. If you go with a 300, dual stick it. Its a great thing to do with something like that. Then, if you are going to have it rebuilt, might as well add the 4:1 $500 kit and upgrade the output shaft to a 32 spline. You'll have to redo your rear ds, so look at eliminating a cv all together. The D300 is much smaller in length in comparison to the stock 231. All this is not necessary right off the boot, but if you upgrade for breaking purposes, this really helps the D300 last longer.

Good luck.

[ragincajun]

I have the ax5.  It will fit the 300 with an input shaft change.  Are the auto and ax5 bellhousing the same?  Cutting a hole is no problem :twisted:

its twin sticked already, but the 4:1 might be something to look into.

[Jeffy]

novak offers a ax5 adaptor for the d300.  I know the ax5 is not the best tranny but this one has zero miles on it, so I want to stick with it for a bit.  I know my best bet is to replace the tcase, but budget issues dispute that.  the two previous axles mentioned with a complete front and rear spare axle(total of 4 axles) are 1K.  Good price?  They are out of a J20.  then I have a line on a 300 twin sticked for 300, and the adaptor for 375.  Figure 500 for new f and r driveshafts.

that puts the total swap at around $2200, for a twin sticked 300, and fornt and rear 44's locked with 5.38's.  Think thats a good deal?

Hmm, I didn't know Novak had them.

It's a decent price as long as the axles have already had the gears installed.  Otherwise you're looking at adding anywhere from $50 each axle up to $500 for the pair, for just the install.  Have you already accounted for new wheels?  Steering linkages will need to be pieced together too.  Depending on the age of the axles, you might want to go through the brakes to make sure they work properly.  11x2 or 12x2 drums are pretty wimpy.  Generally for any large scale swap, figure in what you think it will cost and double it to be on the safe side.  It might not cost that much but it will generally cost more then your first estimate.

[ragincajun]

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_153.htm

[jagular7]

J20 axles should be 6 lug especially if they are both front/rear D44's. These will be the same as Wagoneer axles. J20 is a 3/4 ton Jeep pickup. Some come with D60 semi-float rear axle or a full floater rear axle. As such, the axles would be 8 lug. I would guess that if both front/rear axles are D44, that isn't stock for the J20. J10 on the other hand, would be a D44 front/rear. But be careful, J10s are known to have quadratrac tcases which means the output to the rear axle is offset to the right. If this is the case, you could still run them, but you'd probably have to redo your exhaust to the driver's side to clear the angled rear ds, if you still plan to use the D300. Not much else out there for offset tcases, unless you find a Dana18 for an ealy Jeep. These are offset tcases, dual sticked, have low gears available, and are real short in overall length.

Good luck and take pics of your findings. Junk to treasures always look nice.

[ragincajun]

yeah the 300 would work.  I go tthe price down to 750 for two axles locked, and geared already, and two spare axles complete.  The kit I am looking at on Novak says the adaptor is basically a clocking ring, so does anyone know if the 300 will bolt up to the ax5 with just an input shaft change?

they are 6 lug, 65"wms so about 2.5" on either side wider.  My problem is I like the 231.  It snot a bad tcase, just not sure if I want to swap it yet.

[Jeffy]

yeah the 300 would work.  I go tthe price down to 750 for two axles locked, and geared already, and two spare axles complete.  The kit I am looking at on Novak says the adaptor is basically a clocking ring, so does anyone know if the 300 will bolt up to the ax5 with just an input shaft change?

they are 6 lug, 65"wms so about 2.5" on either side wider.  My problem is I like the 231.  It snot a bad tcase, just not sure if I want to swap it yet.

The bolt pattern of the D300 is the same as the NP/NVG2xx series.  THe stickler was the input shaft but Novak has that covered.  The ring also acts like a spacer.