Some AWD questions.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

I have a 53 Pontiac that I'm putting on an 1st gen s-10 long box chassis. I want to put it on a 4x4 chassis and convert it to AWD. So I'm in the process of tracking down parts but I'm a little confused on what I need now. I'm picking up a downer truck for the chassis and I've tracked down 3 AWD T-cases and trannys I'm my area. The first t-case and tranny is the cheapest one, the year is unknown but its from an astro, the second is a 93 tranny and t-case from an astro, and the third is a t-case and tranny from a 2002 astro. Are they all interchangeable through the years? Is there anything else I need? I just read on here that I might have to change the front diff? The engine is going to be either a 283 or 350 havent decided yet.


any help is appreciated!
thanks

[lowblazin94]

Correct me if i'm wrong but I read that a T-case from a oldsmobile bravada will bolt right in but you must change a few things. I will try to find this post but it was on v8s10.org.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

ya ive read that too but i thought the astro and the bravada t-cases were the same? it would be amazing if i could track down a bravada but there arent any in may area.

[Captain Morgan]

go with the older ones, anything Pre-93 will be easier to deal with.

Around 94/95 is when they started with all that Smart-Trac bullshit, so that means more computer crap to deal with.

Youre least computer hookup AWD setup will consist of a TH700R4 and a Borg Warner 4472 transfercase.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

awesome, thanks ill look into the 93 and the unknown one again. how much power do you think it will take/ i want to get about a 2500 stall for the street.

is there any way i can just leave the front axle fully engauged all of the time?

[Captain Morgan]

Originally posted by ((fLamED 4x4))
awesome, thanks ill look into the 93 and the unknown one again. how much power do you think it will take/ i want to get about a 2500 stall for the street.

you mean how much power can the transfercase take?... you wont make enough power to break it, lets put it that way.

is there any way i can just leave the front axle fully engauged all of the time?

sure, go get a front diff out of a 1st Gen Bravada, or you can take yours and replace the right side axle shaft and tube with those used on the Bravada, but it will probably be cheaper to just get the whole unit from a junkyard.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

alright thanks, i just gotta track down some bravada parts, not too many in my area.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

could i just run a vacuum switch to the front axle so i can shut the awd off when i dont need it?

is the long box reg cab first gen s-10 the only one with 118" wheelbase?

thanks

[6SpeedBlazer]

Originally posted by ((fLamED 4x4))
could is the long box reg cab first gen s-10 the only one with 118" wheelbase?

yes

[((fLamED 4x4))]

awesome thanks!

[((fLamED 4x4))]

can i use any 700r4? or is there a specific case for the 4x4's and awd's?

[6SpeedBlazer]

you will need a 700r4 from a 4x4 4.3 or 350 vehicle

[Captain Morgan]

Originally posted by ((fLamED 4x4))
can i use any 700r4? or is there a specific case for the 4x4's and awd's?

you can use any 700R4, but if its a 2WD version, you will have to change the output shaft and the tailshaft housing in favor of the adaptor.

There is also 2 different adaptors, a 4x4 one and an AWD one which has the bolt pattern rotated about 15 degrees to allow more clearance between the BorgWarner 4472 transfercase and the floorboard.

[((fLamED 4x4))]

thanks for clearing that up for me. do you think my vacuum switch idea will work? if i use the 4x4 front diff can i use the origional front drive shaft?