any recent awd projects

**cj011** · 01-26-2015, 03:24 AM

I know that Carlos had a full running l-body awd conversion along with a few vans that did a 5 speed conversion. Has their been any recent successful AWD conversions? Im in no way to the point of starting one, I am just curious to see if any recent progress has been made and to see if there have been different approaches to the rear irs.

**Ondonti** · 01-26-2015, 07:17 AM

Well, I actually have space to do one now. Seems like a garage only project since it could take months/years on jackstands so that is better progress for me than hoarding parts. I also ghetto fit up one transfercase adapter to an A543 in 2013....wow that doesn't feel so long ago but it is. I have to finish work on the house before cars and I have no idea how to work on a house.

House garage is too narrow to work on cars (plus a pair of Spirits belong there) and shop doesn't have power so The Junkyard will live in the garage of my guest house. Storing stuff in there for now until the house is ready. Seems like enough space to do any work needed but I the slope on the floor seems a little aggressive. I don't really want to tear apart the drivetrain/suspension until I complete a few other modifications too. The T-case will mean I have to run exhaust more sneakily and I have to fab up a new turbo setup. N/A AWD is probably not much fun after 1st gear. Old ported heads also have to go on with a solid lifter I have not finished yet either so the AWD is on infinite backburner until something moves forward. I also picked up two A670's for playing with and some A523's for parts. The most motivating thing for skipping on to AWD is that the transmission in the car has a dead 1-2 synchro from sitting too long with some Seattle moisture sneaking in.

Moving back to Seattle really meant serious car work became impossible outside so I had to do a lot of waiting.

**c2xejk** · 01-26-2015, 08:04 AM

I hope to do an AWD conversion on my '87 Shadow this summer...

**turismolover22** · 01-27-2015, 02:50 AM

Ive got something brewing

**cj011** · 01-27-2015, 11:14 PM

good to know. I will be curious to see what you have planned.

**nowhereman** · 03-10-2015, 04:52 PM

i have plans in the works also

**Vigo** · 03-10-2015, 09:28 PM

My last AWD project died because the vehicle kind of rotted.

Now i have a van that's nice enough to keep me more motivated so i am thinking about it more often again.

But, i am still missing the t-case, awd diff carrier, p/s axle, awd van k-frame and fuel tank, and a few other things and i havent started collecting them yet.

**Ondonti** · 03-11-2015, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Vigo

My last AWD project died because the vehicle kind of rotted.

Now i have a van that's nice enough to keep me more motivated so i am thinking about it more often again.

But, i am still missing the t-case, awd diff carrier, p/s axle, awd van k-frame and fuel tank, and a few other things and i havent started collecting them yet.

Might have been easier to post what you are not missing.

One thing I am still not sure about is shortening the passenger side axle for AP body use.

**Vigo** · 03-11-2015, 08:23 AM

I have a rear axle beam, rear diff, rear axles, up to the viscous coupler. Its hundreds of lbs of parts but i guess i am missing more than i own still.

**bgbmxer** · 03-11-2015, 08:24 AM

Not awd but going rwd.

**shadow88** · 03-11-2015, 09:32 AM

I have a different way to drive all 4 wheels nearly complete.

**contraption22** · 03-11-2015, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by bgbmxer

Not awd but going rwd.

I think that's the smarter move, for drag racing anyway.

**bgbmxer** · 03-11-2015, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by contraption22

I think that's the smarter move, for drag racing anyway.

Awd would be wild but with traction rwd will be plenty enough. And it's gonna be plenty of work going rwd because I'm going independent rear suspension

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by contraption22

I think that's the smarter move, for drag racing anyway.

Awd would be wild but with traction rwd will be plenty enough. And it's gonna be plenty of work going rwd because I'm going independent rear suspension

**Lotashelbys** · 03-11-2015, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by turismolover22

Ive got something brewing

I have something brewing as well but not the usual way to do it......

**Gearhead24-7** · 03-11-2015, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by bgbmxer

Awd would be wild but with traction rwd will be plenty enough.

This really depends on your set up. Just 'cause it's RWD doesn't mean traction is plentiful, or even adequate. Trust me.

**bgbmxer** · 03-11-2015, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Gearhead24-7

This really depends on your set up. Just 'cause it's RWD doesn't mean traction is plentiful, or even adequate. Trust me.

I couldn't agree more at least your not fighting the natural weight transfer like fwd. I do plan on stuffing rather large tires under the rear but drag racing will not be the focus of this car.

**c2xejk** · 03-11-2015, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by shadow88

I have a different way to drive all 4 wheels nearly complete.

Care to share what you are doing? I am about to start my AWD project following what has been done. If there is a better way, I would love to hear it!

**moparman76_69** · 03-11-2015, 01:38 PM

Mine isn't dead, that's all I can promise at this point.

**shadow88** · 03-12-2015, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by c2xejk

Care to share what you are doing? I am about to start my AWD project following what has been done. If there is a better way, I would love to hear it!

2 engines, each driving it's own 2 wheels through it's own transmission.

http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/sh...t=#post1012294

**RoadWarrior222** · 03-13-2015, 07:29 AM

Now got an AWD van, it's the driver not the donor though, in for tips and upgrades.

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