I raced in the lucas oil regionals stock full class for a while. My theory is run it til it breaks, then fix it for good. One example is the ORD bomb proof motor mounts in the race truck.
Better to make progress than getting it perfect first pass. Projects that never run get sold after collecting dust at pennies on the dollar. I'm super motivated to move the ball forward and driveshafts are cheap, relatively speaking. I'm more excited to have the suspension project going than messing around with this stuff at this point. "If you don't drive it, you'll resent it" applies here. One thing @ a time though. Here's my top 10 thoughts on the 205 vs 208 thing.
1) The 208 has 32 spline all the way through. Arguably, stronger 2wd drivetrain (see #4).
2) The 208 comes w/ VSS already, the one I have has the pigtail clipped off.
3) I'd need to swap in the input shaft on the 205.
4) The 205 doesn't have 32 spline output shaft. Machine the case for bearings, seals, yoke, etc.
5) The 205 doesn't have VSS.
6) The 205 needs a x-member/support because it's heavy.
7) I don't "expect" to need 4wd and high hp/torque. <-- famous last words. Take the 205 VSS budget and apply to winch.
8) The slip yoke thing is drill the output shaft and tap it and hold the existing yoke in it. Simple. Cheap.
9) The 205 is slated for another project that I might never do. It's been 20 years already and hasn't started... Lots of money in parts rusting tied to that whole idea.
10) My biggest mistake. My wife knows the plan and if I change it to where it costs more, I have to justify. Other than "I'm afraid it'll break" or "the internet said so" she won't buy it. If you break it, obv you have to upgrade, right guys?
Maybe trailer it to Friday night drags and blow it up in 4hi when there's budget haha
