Yeah Recovery, I'm thinking 700R4 might have to be next. I already have a factory tv bracket and OEM tv cable, as well as the correct taller case adapter. And I know where I will buy the rebuilt tranny. However I am still struggling with what to do about the transfer case. The 700R4 output shaft will not mate with the NP208 due to spline count, so the only way to make the two work together is to purchase a special output shaft from Advance Adapters to the tune of $500 bucks or tear into the 208 and change the female input. And my thinking is, instead of tearing into the 208 I may as well go ahead and install a bullet-proof NP205. Your thoughts? I'm spending my daughter's inheritance so I don't care what it costs. Decisions, decisions.
Go big. That NP 205 does not have a very deep low range. Might as well build up a 203/205 doubler if you want to dive off the deep end. Check out what Offroad Design offers.
Or you could just do the easy thing and swap out that input on your 208. It really is easy, requires no special tools. All you need is some solvent, a tube of RTV, some trans-goo or similar sticky grease, and the 27 spline input. If you really want to go the extra mile you could put a seal and bearing kit in your transfer case.
Personally I kind of like the 208, it is light, has a nice deep low range, is plentiful and cheap to acquire and rebuild. I have never managed to damage mine, it seems like with a naturally aspirated diesel I just don't have enough horsepower to scatter one. Not to say I would not run a 205, but I don't think I would unless I had a doubler.