What all components are used on the SS to make it "all wheel drive" as opposed to "4 wheel drive" Do they use the same front suspension and axle just a different transfer case? I have been daydreaming about converting my truck and I know little about 4 wheel drives. Please don't recommend just buying a 4 wheel drive or an SS 'cause that is not what I want. What all would be involved in converting a 2wd?

 

L-EATER.....

I hate to say it but unless you are made of money it is not easy. New Cab, front diff, CVs, Transfer case, Computer, the list goes on.

 

Why the heck would you need a new cab?

 

Yeah why the cab and why the computer? The money is not the object. When I decide to do something I just do it.

 

The transfer case is an all time thing with no hi / low choice. Its a viscious fluid coupling so its forgiving on the pavement and can transfer torqu to the wheels with traction as necessary.

Front axle and shaft are the same as a 4wd. Transfercase is only difference that I know of.

 

Damn this site....

After typing a long essay about fit, the cabs are different, you would need to re bend parts to fit the transfer case, and drive shafts. This was covered on a chevy spec board. The computer is just a reprogram to work with the all wheel drive.

Lenny

 

Gotta link?

 

About the front diff - you'd need a way to lock it in 4wd.

In 2wd mode, the front driveshaft is disconnected from the front axles.

 

You wouldnt need to change the computer or the cab.

You dont need to change the computer because the PCM doesnt have any thing to do with the way the AWD works. You would need it with a 4x4 because the truck needs to know whether or not its in 4x4, and what range the t-case is in.

You would also need to either get coilovers or the torsion bar assembly and crossmember. Also you would need to convert the steering system. And the front crossmember that the lower control arms bolt on to is different as well.

Youd need

front suspension
front diff and CV axles for a AWD truck, not 4x4
torsion bars and crossmember or coilovers
front crossmembers
new trans output shaft
t-case
new driveshafts
trans crossmember
new steering system, maybe a new powersteering pump as well

 

also the AWD setup doesnt have the actuator to engage the front axle like on the 4x4s, instead of the 2 piece axle and actuator, it is just a 1 piece axle.

The diff is the same but the passenger side axles are different.



As much as you dont want to hear it, youd be much better off starting out with a 4x4 and swapping t-cases and that front axle