Awd c10?

[FB85C10]

what would it take to make my 85 2wd c10 into an AWD c1o? has anyone done one of these yet? what is all needed part wise to build one and does anyone have pics of what was done, just curious? Thanks!

[Wellgeo03]

Well you could go with the old system. Full locked up front axels, same as the rear end, and a NP203 T case. Factory GM stuff from the 70s 4WD trucks, or do a transmission, transfer case trans plant out of a modern GM AWD SUV.

[tlawre87]

Bear in mind alot of the new systems work off the ABS sensors at the wheel (each detects wheel speed)

The jeep quadra drive system used from 99-2004 is full mechanical. I know its not chevy but the 247 transfer case engaged as needed. The axles used gerotor style limited slip differentials.
This is more for an idea however

[nico]

Probably the most famous, and dangerous AWD C10...

Miss Misery

[meatwagon83]

Originally Posted by nico

Probably the most famous, and dangerous AWD C10...

Miss Misery

this truck was destroyed in a crash last year, he is rebuilding it!

[FB85C10]

will 4x4 leaf springs and front axle bolt up to a 2wd frame

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by FB85C10

will 4x4 leaf springs and front axle bolt up to a 2wd frame

Yes, with some work. Remove 2wd x member add 4x4 x member and spring hangers and shackles. Steering box is different too.

Readers digest version, but it's possible

[79Betty]

No they won't bolt up.

[i heart square bodys]

i think your best bet would be to take the driveline out of an AWD Safari van

[Skunksmash]

Off topic but what is the difference between AWD and 4WD? I know AWD is all the time, and 4WD isn't, but what is the difference when it comes to parts? How can AWD function at highway speeds when 4WD can't? Does that make 4WD somehow more powerful?

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Off topic but what is the difference between AWD and 4WD? I know AWD is all the time, and 4WD isn't, but what is the difference when it comes to parts? How can AWD function at highway speeds when 4WD can't? Does that make 4WD somehow more powerful?

Modern AWD is very similar to the old-school "full-time" 4 wheel drive, with the added precision of computerized technology. The computer sensors detect wheelspeed differences and compensate. The old "mechanical" way worked with a "differential" inside the transfercase that worked pretty much like an "open" rear end, only with the driveshafts. It put the power to the wheel that was easiest to spin, that's why there was a locking function. It would lock the differential and give equal power to front and rear, but it was not to be used on hard pavement, just like a regular 4x4.

It is a bit more complicated than that, but it gives you the idea.

[rs74]

I have never seen a square made into an AWD. I have seen on a 88+ style where someone took a 1/2 ton 4wd and made it into an AWD with Denali parts. It looked more like a lowered two wheel drive but it was AWD. Actually was pretty cool.

[Skunksmash]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

Modern AWD is very similar to the old-school "full-time" 4 wheel drive, with the added precision of computerized technology. The computer sensors detect wheelspeed differences and compensate. The old "mechanical" way worked with a "differential" inside the transfercase that worked pretty much like an "open" rear end, only with the driveshafts. It put the power to the wheel that was easiest to spin, that's why there was a locking function. It would lock the differential and give equal power to front and rear, but it was not to be used on hard pavement, just like a regular 4x4.

It is a bit more complicated than that, but it gives you the idea.

Well to me the obvious difference would be that one is simply on all the time and never goes off (AWD) and the other has to be engaged mechanically (4WD). Another thing is, the old mechanical style is always limited in speed, isn't it? I mean say you take one of those newer AWD Volvo 4 door luxury cars. Or something like that. It can do its top speed of 120 mph in AWD. Cause the AWD simply never turns off. But there is no way you're doing that in a 4x4 truck. Right? Or am I wrong about this? That is just how it was told to me long ago.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Skunksmash

Off topic but what is the difference between AWD and 4WD? I know AWD is all the time, and 4WD isn't, but what is the difference when it comes to parts? How can AWD function at highway speeds when 4WD can't? Does that make 4WD somehow more powerful?

I believe the Astro/Safari and Denali AWD setups have a viscous coupling in the T case, to prevent "crabbing" during low speed parking lot type manuevers.

K

[Restrorob]

Less work and $ just to go buy a driveable 4x4 truck !

[FB85C10]

could I use 2wd leaf spring up front with a 4wd front axle on my 2wd frame? what kind of mods would I have to do to get the front perches mounted on the front of my 2wd frame or is it even possible to do since I don't think it bolt right up? if so wat year front axle, springs or whatever would I need to do this? let me know thanks!!

[D13]

Olds Bravada Tcase uses viscous couplings. Whenever the front and rear drive shafts see spin greater than accounted for in turning, the fluidgets hot and locks them together.

[FB85C10]

could I use 2wd leaf spring up front with a 4wd front axle on my 2wd frame? what kind of mods would I have to do to get the front perches mounted on the front of my 2wd frame or is it even possible to do since I don't think it bolt right up? if so wat year front axle, springs or whatever would I need to do this? let me know thanks!!

[Wrecked1982]

FB85C10- look in the section All 4x4 Tech & Off Roading and check for poeple doing 2x4 to 4x4 conversion . it will give you a really good idea of whats involve.

[cadillac_al]

GM made millions of them. They called them K10's with NP 203's. There is no better system on icy roads.

[Fatherof3]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

gm made millions of them. They called them k10's with np 203's. There is no better system on icy roads.

x2

[silverbear]

Back in 1994, I converted an 86 C20 from 2wd to 4x4. Since the 2wd front body mount brackets have most of the same rivet holes to mount to the frame as the 4x4, I lined up the brackets and used grade 8 bolts in the holes that matched and then drilled the frame to match the last couple of holes.

Once the front brackets are mounted, I measured back on the frame for the rear shackle bracket. Take your time here and measure it a few times before cutting holes if the frame for the bracket and make sure your markings are square. I didn't have a laser back then so I used some string (and some friends) to line up everything. I used a carbide tipped hole saw to cut the large hole for the shackle mount. The was slow and tedious but I didn't risk weakening the frame by using a torch on it.

Several more grade 8 bolts (3/8") on the front and rear bracket to take the place of the rivets and I was ready to hang the front springs. However this was just the beginning of the project. The core support sat on the newly installed mount brackets but I had to drill the frame for the different trans mount support bracket. The hump in the floor of the cab is different between a 2wd and 4x4 so I had to cut and re-work a section of the hump.

Next is cutting and re-routing the exhaust to fit around the t-case. Don't forget you will also need to either replace or shorten the rear drive shaft. There are a few other details I know I had address back then but those memories are a bit fuzzy.

I enjoyed the work at time and my truck turned out pretty good and held up very well but looking back... I should have just sold the 2wd and bought a 4x4 and then build it the way I wanted it.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by silverbear

... I should have just sold the 2wd and bought a 4x4 and then build it the way I wanted it.

This.

K

[Custom.Chevy]

this is an older thread but i wanted to bring it back to life with some updated information.

I was recently at the good guys show in the bay area and saw a couple truly AWD hotrods . the one that stood out most was the 32 ford coupe that was utilizing the AWD system from a chevy cyclone which also apeared in other AWD s10 suv's. The owner told me it was a very reliable set up and he was running a LS motor to it as well. \\

I brought this up because i am seeking information regarding putting awd into a square body and figured that using the s10 sytem with upgraded limited slip differentials would be the best way to go. IMO it would be easiest to get a full front clip and drive train from an awd/4wd s10. the 700r can be built to take a beating and the rest it pretty simple to upgrade form there.

Also what about dropping a square body onto a 94 and later 4wd drive frame and then lowering that. the reason i say 94 and later is because you might as well get a vortech and a 4l60 since your doing all the hard work for a lowered 4wd anyway. thats my goal at least.

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by cadillac_al

GM made millions of them. They called them K10's with NP 203's. There is no better system on icy roads.

Wow, I would beg to differ on that one.....
IMHO, that was the worst system ever designed. The only half-way decent ones are those that have been converted to part-time, 'cause you are still running a chain drive case.
The called that mess, "full-time" 4 wheel drive, yet you could jack up any one wheel and it would spin....and the truck would not move. How is that any time 4 wheel drive? Oh, it's not.
The drove "heavy" and felt cumbersome. Converting one the part-time with a kit made it feel like you gained 50 hp.
If it really is icy, just lock it in and be done with it.