hello all, im working on a very unique project. a 97 ECSB z71, hopefully within a year i can start on the 6.0 build, but still than iv still got some other choices ti make, like keeping it 4x4 and swapping in a AWD transfercase from a SS. i plan to have a 500 horsepower LS 370 at it with maybe another 150 shot of nitrous at it. a 80e will be built to handle it and iv already built a 14 bolt SF rear end.

im looking for pros and cons of both setups, things like what would net faster ETs, what would last long/less problems? thanks in advance

 

I hear AWD goes thru trannies alot....but if its built enough....

I like the fact that with 4x4 I can choose to have 2wd.

I've had like 3 people on this site tell me to convert to AWD and I'm like....Why?

 

I don�t see an issue doing what you looking at. The NVG-149�s have a good reputation for holding up to a good amount of power. They still suffer from the typical oil pump clip breakage that the 4WD units have and chain stretch. But due to having to pull the transfer-case apart to change the input gear to allow it to be mated to a 4L80, you can make sure to upgrade the oil pump clip while you�re at it. The only thing you may have to look into is how you will make sure the front axle is engaged, as the AWD units have a one piece passenger side axle that is permanently engaged, unlike the 4WD unit with the shift fork and actuator. I don�t know if the axle width is the same between the older trucks and the newer models to where you could just swap the passenger side axle and possibly axle tube or not.

One thing about it, there will be no more 2WD burn-out's.

 

I always enjoyed 60' races in parking lots using 4-lo

I personally used my 4wd, I needed a true transfer case for low/high range, but if you just using it as a toy AWD would be cool. Not sure if itd be worth the swap to go from 4wd to awd

 

Here's the clip that Jarrod's talking about...



And here's the redesigned one:


The part number and more info is available in this thread: https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...7+finally+here! The part number and pics of the t-case and clip are in post #60

As for the 4WD/AWD debate, I've often thought about some day switching to AWD for the full time traction, without the binding that you get on dry pavement with 4WD locked in the front, while making turns...but it is nice to be able to switch to 2WD which I assume gets better fuel economy since you're only taxing half of the drivetrain, plus, 2WD burnouts are fun! Tough choice if you have the funds to make the swap and are looking for something else to mod! Since I'm broke and have other areas of the truck that need attention first, I'll be sticking with my 4wd for now...BTW, how does the AWD drivetrain avoid the binding in the front that you get in 4wd while turning on dry pavement?

 

nice imput...my thoughts..

i can live without doing burnouts..AWD dounuts are much cooler anyways
i really like the idea of full traction all the time, and i know how to address the front axle to keep it engaged.

my goal is to have a fun ride, i never use 4low any more so thats no issue and a small loss in MPG is fine

is there away to mate it to a 4L80E?

 

I'm pretty sure that you would mate the AWD transfer case to an 80E the same as you would the 4x4 transfer case...KySilverado did a write up on it that should be at the top of this section in the stickies.... *EDIT* the 4x4 and AWD 60/65E's share the same output shaft from what I've researched...

How does the AWD drivetrain avoid the binding that the 4x4 front axle gets?

 

im not sure buddy, ima about to look it up.

my only concern is what can they handle power wise?
what nets better times? 4x4 or AWD?

 

I like to be able to switch it plus have use of 4lo if necessary but 1/2:1 and a dozen for another....or whateverthatissupposedtogolike.

 

I would think if they both allowed you to hook up and go, then the times wouldnt be that much different?