Should I go from AWD to RWD?

[jimmyjam]

I am considering use my existing built 4L70 for my impala and getting a 4L80 for the SS. This would be a good time to convert to RWD as the 4L80 would need a custom output shaft to bolt onto the xfer case, vs a conversion slip yoke for RWD

RWD pros: lighter, faster, less shit in the way when i have to fix stuff, no worrying about the state of my front axle splines

AWD pros: smoke anyone when its wet out

being in florida, awd seems useless, just costing me gas and time at the track... what do you guys think?

 

[BO TIE SS]

Weigh the amount you'll save in gas to the amount you'll spend on tires. On dry pavement, I can't burn my tires to save my life...and I got 45K out of all four of my first set.

 

[jimmyjam]

economical tradeoffs aren't really a factor... a bump from 9mpg to 10 would be great but when i say lighter is a pro its to make it faster not more fuel efficient

I would, however, like to throw a set of 10" wide factory reps on the back without worrying if a slight circumference difference on the rubber will trash my xfer case. so thats another pro for rwd

plus i could give mark a good deal on conversion parts and we can see a 4wd lifted ss finally.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

plus i could give mark a good deal on conversion parts and we can see a 4wd lifted ss finally.

Seen one in person and crawled under it...

 

[Regulator]

Sounds like you have your decision made.

After two winters now of not having a working front diff on the Bravada I think I am going to just strip it all off.

 

[STLtrailbSS]

2wd is the way to go forget that split send that hp to the back and you will be cutting weight SS SUPER LIGERA just like the Lambo lol

 

[ItsOnVoy]

Well the fact that you do not get snow like MI or the upper states get then I say go RWD if you can. The pros for it are great for you and your location. If its wet out drive slow

 

[fletch09]

it does sound like you have already made your mind up. so go for it.
just might not be able to smoke everyone one when it's wet out.
i'm sure it will be 99% of them though.
plus would like to see the Liftmeister live up to his name w/ the SS.

 

[jimmyjam]

yeah yall are right my mind is made up, just looking to see if someone thinks its a dumb idea and has any input i haven't though of

change of plans though, my trans guy says i'm better off with a 4l70 than the 80 at my power level, says i won't like how it shifts... i've been running a built 4l70 for a year now and its been solid...
so i guess for now i'll just get a 4l70 built for the impala and worry about doing the conversion once i get that thing rolling again

 

[Boricua SS]

you know my input Jimmy!! im biased to the RWD

you can put down alot more power RWD over AWD anyday at the track... streets.. yea ok.. but how often does one race in the rain? i know i dont at least...

DOOO ITTT!!

 

[smitty5150]

Lose the AWD. It is a burden if you don't use it.

 

[DJones]

The reason I have a Trailblazer is because of the 4WD/AWD options. 2WD makes them worthless.

Get a direct bolt-on t-case for the 80...

 

[Boricua SS]

The reason I have a Trailblazer is because of the 4WD option. 2WD makes them worthless..

i would agree and dissagree with you there...

this is an SS.. not a regular I6.. he lives where it doesnt snow... so where does the AWD come in handy? and he wants to make more power and lighten things up... all signs point towards a RWD... i love mine, and wouldnt have it any other way.. she doesnt see snow.. so AWD was not an option for me..also less moving parts makes for less headaches.

 

[DJones]

i would agree and dissagree with you there...

this is an SS.. not a regular I6.. he lives where it doesnt snow... so where does the AWD come in handy? and he wants to make more power and lighten things up... all signs point towards a RWD... i love mine, and wouldnt have it any other way.. she doesnt see snow.. so AWD was not an option for me..also less moving parts makes for less headaches.

I fixed my original post. I put it that way to make a point.

Sell the truck to someone who would actually use it, and get a 2WD to mod. I'm sure there is plenty of people out there that would rather not have 2WD.

 

[DevilishT2003]

Still working on making my TBSS having AWD or 2WD option.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I fixed my original post. I put it that way to make a point.

Sell the truck to someone who would actually use it, and get a 2WD to mod. I'm sure there is plenty of people out there that would rather not have 2WD.

You are one to talk...How about you sell your lifts, bumper, tires, and offroad mods to some who will ACTUALLY USE them! I say with the custom stuff he has done...he does what he wants with the truck.

Still working on making my TBSS having AWD or 2WD option.

It needs to happen. It really should be possible.

 

[jimmyjam]

selling isn't an option at this point, i'd take such a bath on the mods i'd only sell it if something horrific occurred in my life and was extremely desperate. or i could buy another one and swap motors and then sell it... yeah i'd rather just dump the awd

i'm not like i'm going to throw the parts in the trash, more than willing to sell them. install isn't terrible. i'm not an SAE mechanic or anything and i don't own a lift and i could pull it off in a day. no wiring modifications needed, computer mumbo jumbo etc

for anyone who cares the 80 can be made to bolt onto the torsen transfer case with a conversion output shaft thats available i think from phoenix trans. then you gotta shorten the rear and lengthen the front driveshafts. rwd or awd you need the trans crossmember, wire harness and tcm

 

[BO TIE SS]

Still working on making my TBSS having AWD or 2WD option.

I'm not sure that I understand the benefit in that. In 2WD mode, you'd still be carrying all of the weight of the AWD system.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I'm not sure that I understand the benefit in that. In 2WD mode, you'd still be carrying all of the weight of the AWD system.

But you can roast the rear tires anytime you want. More for play than 1/4 mile. Also you could gain low range and that could be fun....

Be great if there was a lift or similar involved too.

 

[Wahugg]

Could as SS safely handle low range?

With an LS2 motor and 4.56 gearing its already putting out a lot of torque. Wouldn't you be putting your drive shafts, differentials, and cv shafts at risk with all the power? But if it could handle it, it would practically just jump off the line and be one fun power house to drive around.

-Wahugg

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Could as SS safely handle low range?

With an LS2 motor and 4.56 gearing its already putting out a lot of torque. Wouldn't you be putting your drive shafts, differentials, and cv shafts at risk with all the power? But if it could handle it, it would practically just jump off the line and be one fun power house to drive around.

-Wahugg

That is a good question...but they have 4.10 gears. The rear end is up to it, but the front may just explode. The driveshafts should be fine. The cv's may not be. I dont think 4-lo would be used much on the street though and with some commom sense it should do ok.

 

[Wahugg]

My bad, you are right they are 4.10's. I wonder what a 4 low 4.56 ss would look like.... But there is a way that you could still have 4 low and 2 low. All you have to do is disable the front actuator for the spline disconnect when you switch it to 4 low, and you basically have 2 low. I have been trying to do this, but with limited success. It would just be really giving your front diff a work out, so like you said practicality is golden.

-Wahugg

 

[DevilishT2003]

It needs to happen. It really should be possible.

Going to try to get to Pick a part or someplace and get a TC soon.

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

Going to try to get to Pick a part or someplace and get a TC soon.

Damn. I keep forgetting to check my extra. I may be down there sat to change hubs on dads silverado

 

[DevilishT2003]

Damn. I keep forgetting to check my extra. I may be down there sat to change hubs on dads silverado

No problem, just let me know.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

It needs to happen. It really should be possible.

Its going to require a regular xfer case and the addition of a TCCM plus appropriate wiring. Going to have to see if the ECM/TCM will recognize the 4HI/4LO signals from the TCCM in factory form (ie SS OSs) or whether a swap to 5.3L OSs is necessary to get the ability to control the shift points in 4WD.


Jimmy, you're in FL and have a built truck, personally Id ditch AWD and go 2WD in your situation. For me in the NW, 4WD/AWD is a necessity especially going to the ski hill every week or two.