I took your initial post to mean that you did not have the rear axle. Sorry if I misunderstood... In the case of just needing a rear axle, all the above information is pertinent.

So you have an NP203 transfer case with a fixed rear yoke? If so, you will need a rear driveshaft that is telescoping. You will need to find one of these out of another similar year truck with the NP203. A pickup rear driveshaft may need to be shortened though... I can measure mine so you have a reference for how long it needs to be in the installed position.

If I get some time, I may even consider disconnecting mine at the rear axle and measuring extended and compressed lengths. It would give me a reason to clean the splines and re-grease the whole thing.

 

Yes unfortunately I have NP 203. I am looking into getting aone out of a '78 truck. Would it matter if it has a 203 or 205? Would it matter if it came out of long bed or a short bed? I would really appreciate the measurements you spoke of. That would probably make things go easier. Thanks.

 

205's came standard with a rear slip yoke, so yes, it would matter. If you find a telescoping rear driveshaft, you can always have it cut down and rebalanced to fit your truck. Drivetrain shops do this all of the time. It would just be a matter of finding a compatible driveshaft and a shop with the capabilities.

*EDIT* - I just measured my rear driveshaft and it is 35" long, from center of u-joint to center of u-joint, at normal ride height.

 

Thanks alot. I have a line on a couple of ones in my area and this should help me.