Some one somewhere asked me about shafts I had left over from swaps. I do. PM me for details.

 

Bump. This is a great thread full of all the AWD swap info.

It looks like if you keep a 4L60E, you can use your stock rear drive shaft and have to use the AWD front shaft.

If you swap to a 4L80E, you can use your stock front drive shaft and have to shorten your rear shaft. Also you need an adapter from "time2kill" on silveradoss.com. Or source it from EAD performance.

The only thing I'm uncertain of is if you need a different housing for the 80E to mount to the NPG-149. Some say you do, some say you don't.

I'll do some research and find out for sure and then post up the part numbers.

Thanks for a great thread!

EDIT: Collecting more info

Do I have to swap the front axle assembly for the AWD version?

No.*You can put in a spacer that keeps the axle engaged or leave the actuator in the extended position. Pre-97 OBS with the thermal actuator you will have to put in a spacer, the thermal actuator retracts when power is removed. The 97-later will retain its position until power is applied again.

The only difference in the AWD and 4x4 axle is the 4x4 axle is 2 piece on the right side and can be engaged/disengaged by the collar sliding and connecting/disconnecting the 2 pieces.*