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Update: 01-31-2006
Kit Components:
The LoMax 205 kit package will include a new nodular
iron case and 5 helical gears. Optional components will include
seal and bearing kits as well as 32 spline
front output shafts.
The new gear set is only available in a 3.0:1
reduction ratio. The GM 32 spline input gear configuration will be
available
initially and the GM 10 spline version will
follow.
The new gear set is being manufactured to high
tolerances using 8620 alloy standard to the gear industry. Heat treat
processes and hardening are being performed to
exact New Process Gear specifications as dictated by the original
OEM NP205 drawings.
The new LoMax gear case is a high quality ductile
iron casting with the same recipe as the original NP205. The new
case is fully compatible with the stock NP205
shift forks, output shafts, shift rails, bearing retainers, etc. The GM
round
pattern (6 bolts) and the long 8-bolt pattern are
present in the front face of the case. Although not shown in the front
view photo above, alternate bolt holes will be
provided to allow an upward rotation of the new case. Our goal is to
provide the owner of a stock GM NP205 with a
new case that will directly replace the original with no changes to
driveshaft length, shifter linkage, etc.
Optional Mounting:
When totally assembled, the LoMax 205 weighs in at
135 lbs. The bottom inspection cover is equipped with an optional
mounting boss to accompany the side mount
common to the stock GM case.
Questions & Answers:
- Q: Is the LoMax case larger than the
stock NP205 case?
A: Slightly but only at the bottom due to the addition of the
inspection opening.
- Q: Is the new case any wider or longer
than stock?
A: No. The center-to-center distance between the front output
shaft and rear output shaft is equal to stock. The length is also
identical to stock GM.
- Q: Are the LoMax gears and case as
strong as the stock NP205?
A: Yes. We use the same OEM ductile iron for the case and the
gears are made of 8620, hardened gear stock
(standard to the industry). To account for the lower ratio,
we have increased the tooth profile and tooth length
on the low range side of the gear train. Stock NP205 tooth width
is 1.25" whereas the LoMax tooth is 1.50".
- Q: What is the intended application for
the LoMax kit?
A: This kit is designed to be used in big, heavy, fullsize
truck applications with high horsepower and large tires.
This gearset is not targeted for the Jeep or single-seat
tube buggy market.
- Q: What is included in the kit?
A: One new case and 5 gears.
- Q: Is the input shaft integral to the
drive gear as stock?
A: Yes. We did not want to make the input shaft removable (splined
with a snap ring) from the helical drive gear.
This decision was made for strength considerations. Using a
splined input gear similar to a Dana 300 or Atlas II
would be a weaker design due to a reduction of material
through the cross-section of the gear.
- Q: Can the new case be inverted to
produce a drivers side drop?
A: No.
- Q: Does the LoMax design utilize the
tapered roller bearing design for retention of the intermediate
gear?
A: Yes. The original NP205 uses a tapered roller bearing
arrangement to achieve maximum thrust load capacity
as opposed to a straight roller bearing and thrust plate design
found on lighter duty cases like the Dana 300 or
Atlas II.
- Q: Is this gear set stronger than the
Atlas II?
A: Yes. The NP205 is the undisputable King of strength when
it comes to 4x4 transfer cases. Aside from some of
the bigger commercial designs, there is nothing that comes
close to competing with the NP205 when it comes to
brute gear strength. Check out the Atlas II photo
comparison below.
Copyright © 1999-2005 JB Conversions, Inc. All rights reserved.
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