4 wheel drive

4 wheel drive
I hope this isnt the dumbest question ever but if a car is rear wheel drive or front wheel drive (or whatever its called) can you make it 4 wheel drive? And if you can how much (apporximentally) would that cost?

  HollyBerry

okay you can do it. however, it is alot of work and it can be expensive. you have to figure out if it is front wheel drive or rear wheel. a front wheel drive is hard because you have to turn the engine so that it is facing the front of the car and that requires alot of planning and metal fabrication. then you have to find the parts you will need. such as a transfer case with gears, a rearend,a front end, and short driveshafts. oh and a front wheel drive will also need a diffrent suspension for each the front and the rear. so i would say a front wheel drive is out of the question for someone who is not experienced. now a rear wheel drive is somewhat easier. its not easy by any means, but its easier. you have to aquire a transfer case, a front end, and short drive shafts. the front suspension will have to be replaced too. then of course, you have to make brakets and various other types of metal fabricated parts. so if i were you i would just buy a four wheel drive.

  frizzal

Well frizzal, what if you have a rwd vehicle and you want awd ok. Say its like a truck and they made rwd and awd versions, could you buy a wrecked/rotted 4wd and just transfer all the 4wd parts to your rwd? And would it mostly be bolt on since they are essentially the same vehicle, just one came with rwd and the other awd.

  car_crazy89

well yes and no. the major things like the drive shafts, frontend, rear end and transfer case should go together good. mainly because it all came from the same thing. however, the mounting brackets for the transfer case, frontend, and front end suspension may have to be cut off and welded on to the frankenstien. not to mention you have to cut a hole in the floor for the shifter on the transfer case. so it is still a lot of work. it can be done but it would take a while. and if you dont mount everything just right it will cause major problems. like if the front end is crucked just a degree or two you will have issues with alignments and such. so proper planning prevents piss poor performance.

  frizzal

Alright, cause i'm wanting/planning to do a 4wd swap on my '79 Silverado. I wanna look for a wrecked/rotted 4wd and use everything i can.

http://www.car-forums.com/talk/showthread.php?t=14597

  car_crazy89

check here www.car-part.com its an online link to scrap yards it will help in cross reference to parts you can use for you build up
try and get a 4x4 frame complete with a solid front axle setup its a stronger set up for off roading/abuse then build off that use your motor/tranny and what ever else you like

  osborste

hey man ill see if i cant get a hold of my cousin. he knows a bit more than i do about 4x4 stuff. see what he thinks. :thumbs:

  frizzal

Alright, thanx. that could help.

  car_crazy89