2x to 4x conversion

[BlownZ28SS]

Hey guys, I have a few questions.
Yes I want to convert from 2x to 4x/ AWD. No I don't want to by a new truck. Too much time and money in current ride. I have an 03 HD with the 4l80 Trans. What I'm looking at is either using the T-case out of a 4wd wreck or the AWD unit.

1. Is the Chevy SS AWD, what is the tranny in it?
2. What tranny is in the AWD Denali?
3. What kind of power will the AWD unit handle before it grenades?
4. What is the T case number of the AWD unit (i.e. NP....)?
5. What is the T cas for the 2500HD 4wd?
6. Is it divorce or attached to the tranny?
7. Which ones are electric vs. manual?

I think that's it for now. I'm more familiar with the older style of 4wd thus all the questions. The dealership I talked to said the Tcase for the 4x was a NP 205 or a NP 208. It all depended on the options on the truck. He also said the the SS was only 2wd with either the 4l60 or 4l80 (also dependant on options) but I thought I read somewhere that it had an AWD system and it only came with the 6.0l. Thanks for any help you can give. This all for a future project as soon as I get back from the Sandbox.

Randy

[BlenderWizard]

They talked about doing a 2wd to 4wd conversion on Trucks! one episode. Basically, they said not to try it

[RedHeartbeat]

Basically what you need to do is watch Trucks and watch Stacy David build Sgt Rock. He more or less builds a 4wd monster truck out of an old army 4x4 Dodge. You'd have to put a straight axle in the front end and build brackets to tie it to the frame. An Atlas transfer case can be run external from the 4L80E the same manner that monster trucks do. You'll have a chunk of change spent building it but shopping for all the cool parts is half of the fun. You could buy a 4wd drivetrain from a salvage yard and swap frames. The NP205 is a gear drive unit that GM hasn't put in trucks for 20+ years. That's one tough unit. I had one in my 73 and it ran dry without lube for 2 years before it finally self destructed.

[jethro_3]

The new '06 SS's are 2wd and the '03 to '05 are AWD. The Transfer Case in the SS is completely electric.

You have a 3/4 ton, do you have torsion bars??

[Quadrant]

Originally my truck came with (M32) 4-speed auto trans., electronic HD 4l60e, (NP3) Transfer case AWD, Q-steer, Rear axle= 4.10, positraction-limited slip.
Of course, it's actually a 3/4 ton - with torsion bars

[boonybouncer]

Wouldn't it bolt up as long as you get the transfer case, half-shafts, spindles, and switch? maybe a shorter drive shaft too.

[RedHeartbeat]

You have me on that one. Since they redesigned the trucks in 99 I am not 100% sure the frames are different on the 2wd vs the 4wd.

[BlownZ28SS]

Based on my experience with 4wd's in the past i.e. Scouts, Chevy's, Broncos, the frames may be different at the front especially with the independent front suspension. However, based on conversations I've had with the local dealership, the suspension on all the HD 2 and 4 wheel drive is all the same. The poor mans lift of rotating the torsions would work. This would explain why the Fabtek and Procomp lift kits for the 8 lug trucks from 00 to 04 are esentially the same, minor differences here and there.
Yes, It should bolt up as long as I can find wheather the transfercase came off of a vehicle with a 4L80E auto tranny. That way it's pretty much a bolt on job (output shaft splines should be the same as well as same bolt pattern for the tailhousing on the tranny). I would need a shorter driveshaft and the front diff and axel shafts, etc.
Also, the electronic T-case, is it also controlled by the comp or dose the computer take any input signals from the T-case? I know there is a push button control and that is easy to work with.
If anybody has any of the vehicle styles listed in the original post could you look to see what the tag on the tcase says? It may be an NP (New Process), NV (New Venture), or a Borg Warner number.

Thanks again for the help.

Randy

[RedHeartbeat]

It would be awesome if the output shaft from the transmission would work for 2wd and 4wd. I'd sure check that one out real close before just buying an adapter and transfer case. Used to you had a different output shaft for 4wd. Advanced adapters may make an adapter for your application.

[RedHeartbeat]

Manufacturer Advance Adapters


Product Details

Unit Price $675.00
Your Price $675.00
SKU 50-0410
Mfg. Part # 50-0410
Condition New
Unit KIT
Dimension N/A
Weight 35.0 lb
In Stock And Ready To Ship!

*GM 4L80 4-SP X NP205 71-79 TC



There you go. AdvanceAdapters.com has just what you need to put the NP205 into your truck.