AWD operation - Front Diff (Open vs. LSD)
12-08-2012, 05:20 PM
#22
On The Tree
I had actually read your thread not too long ago. Very interesting indeed. So, I had given a decent amount of thought to the front suspension, but my conclusion is that it would be easy to find something that would work - so long as I could get the front diff figured.
My plan right now (which may change as I order parts and see them in person), is to use C5 vette rear hubs in the front vette uprights, which I've read is easily done as they have the same bolt pattern. Then to use the stock front LCA from the vette, and a CNC'd upper control arm (it has to be custom so I don't have to chop into the frame).
On the outboard side I'd obviously use part of the C5 CV joints, and on the inboard side, I'd use whatver CV bolts to the diff. This will then just require custom halfshafts going from one set of splines to the other. I've had custom halfshafts made before for $300 each so I'm not too worried about that. Coincidently, I'm actually pulling the trigger on a 4-axis CNC tomorrow, and this project would be a great way to break it in.
You mention using a Ford 9" IRS diff up front. Can you do this just because of how you are situating the engine?
My plan right now (which may change as I order parts and see them in person), is to use C5 vette rear hubs in the front vette uprights, which I've read is easily done as they have the same bolt pattern. Then to use the stock front LCA from the vette, and a CNC'd upper control arm (it has to be custom so I don't have to chop into the frame).
On the outboard side I'd obviously use part of the C5 CV joints, and on the inboard side, I'd use whatver CV bolts to the diff. This will then just require custom halfshafts going from one set of splines to the other. I've had custom halfshafts made before for $300 each so I'm not too worried about that. Coincidently, I'm actually pulling the trigger on a 4-axis CNC tomorrow, and this project would be a great way to break it in.
You mention using a Ford 9" IRS diff up front. Can you do this just because of how you are situating the engine?
And yes, the Ford 9" carriers are solely to address the odd placement of my engine and drivetrain. The plus side to that is all the options I have for gears and lockers, like detroit tru trac in the front and rear. With the torque transfer most AWD t-cases do (like the BW 4472), this would give you the differential action you are looking for. And it's the reason why I decided to do an AWD conversion in the 1st place.
12-13-2012, 11:11 PM
#23
From some preliminary measurements, I have 14.1" from the bottom of the engine block to the ground. The stock pan was ~6" lower whereas the truck plan I'm looking at using is 8" lower. This will be cutting ground clearance pretty close so I don't want the diff to protrude any lower.
Sadly, I've been about 2 weeks worth of work away from getting the 5.3 back in the goat - for the past 6 months. At this point, I'm going to wait to put the engine in until I figure out this 'driveline modification' project. The upside is that due to some arrangements at work, I'll have 4 day weekends for the next 16 weeks which should help considerably.
Goal is to have this finished by April.
Sounds like you have a good plan of attack. I've found the same info on the C5 hubs. And $300.00 for custom halfshafts? I may be looking in the wrong place, I've been quoted at least 3 times that. Please pm me your info on that, it would end up saving me quite a bit of $$$.
And yes, the Ford 9" carriers are solely to address the odd placement of my engine and drivetrain. The plus side to that is all the options I have for gears and lockers, like detroit tru trac in the front and rear. With the torque transfer most AWD t-cases do (like the BW 4472), this would give you the differential action you are looking for. And it's the reason why I decided to do an AWD conversion in the 1st place.
And yes, the Ford 9" carriers are solely to address the odd placement of my engine and drivetrain. The plus side to that is all the options I have for gears and lockers, like detroit tru trac in the front and rear. With the torque transfer most AWD t-cases do (like the BW 4472), this would give you the differential action you are looking for. And it's the reason why I decided to do an AWD conversion in the 1st place.
Just checked and they were $319/shaft for 4 identical ones. I'll try to find their contact info and PM you later.
01-30-2021, 04:09 PM
#26
TECH Senior Member
After NINE YEARS?? Likely DOA....
04-05-2023, 08:02 PM
#27
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04-05-2023, 11:42 PM
#28
TECH Senior Member
I wish you newbies would check post dates...
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