Jump to content

GM 4wd systems

Jpshostr

By Jpshostr
in The Off-Topic Bar

Recommended Posts

Kansas Kid Senior Enthusiast

Kansas Kid

Posted
Posted

So guys, are you totally pleased with the GM 4wd systems on all the Silverado pickups, or would you like to change some stuff?  I have a feeling most of you guys will be pretty happy with the current stuff, but I'd like to change some stuff around.  Now I've never had a single problem with IFS but it won't be around on all the trucks if I had my choice.

 

Here is how I would do things...

 

The 1500 Silverado/Sierra pickups would stay almost exactly the same as they are now.  They would have the same IFS front end, center axle disconnect, both lever and pushbutton t-cases.  I supposed I would keep autocrap around, even though I see no point for it, other then keeping the mechanics busy.

 

The 2500 Silverado/Sierra pickups would have some minor changes.  They would have the heavier duty IFS, center axle disconnect, and both lever and pushbutton t-cases.  But in this case I would eliminate autotrac.

 

The 2500HD and 3500 Silverado/Sierra pickups would get some major changes.  The IFS front end would be gone.  Now like I said above, I've never had single problem with IFS but in a one ton pickup I prefer the extra strengh of a SFA setup.  Even though the coil sprung setup on the Dodges rides great, I would go with a leaf sprung Dana 60 out front.  It would come with either manual hubs and a lever shift t-case or a pushbutton case with center axle disconnect and of course no autotrac.

 

Guess I can always wish, huh?  So what do you guys think?

RedDog Enthusiast

RedDog

Posted
Posted

Not to bad :P ,, but I would leave the 3500 model alone and offer a 3500HD with the solid front!!

 

   And while your at it,,, make the HD model look exactly like the 3500 model, with the exception of the front axle.  On the HD model, make the 502 motor the stock gas motor for it.....

 

 

     RedDog

Jpshostr Senior Enthusiast

Jpshostr

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Back when the vacuum actutors were being used, I cussed those things everytime I had to use 4x4, by the time it got engaged it was too late, you were stuck.  Now that the electronics actuators are being used I've never had a problem, push the button and its engaged.  If I had a choice though, I'd go back to the floor shifter that is right on the case, none of this electronic engaging crap.  I also don't know what to think of the Autotrac deal, IMO its another gimic used to sell trucks to urban idiots who don't need 4x4 in the first place.

 

Axle wise, I don't care.  I've never had any trouble with IFS or SFA.  For a guy that is off-road all the time SFA would be  a better choice, but for a guy who spends lots of time on pavement but still needs 4x4 capability IFS is the best bet.  Too bad the ability to choose between the two on the same truck model is never going to happen.  I guess from my standpoint, the way our trucks are used, I'd go with the IFS.  No matter the axle used though, I would like to see air lockers such as an ARB put in both front and rear diffs.

Roofer Senior Enthusiast

Roofer

Posted
Posted

You guys must all live where there is no ice on the road. I really like the Autotrac. I think it is one of the best features. With autotrac, I can let my GF drive it in any conditions and she doesn't have to worry about switching in and out of 4HI. If it is icy or snowy, I just put it in Drive and push the auto trac button and there is no messing around. I see so many 4x4 HD's running around, and all they do is sit there and spin from the stoplights because they are in 2wd. Now if they were in 4x4 they would have to switch out of it when they get on the highway because the highway is dry and clean. Technology is advancing and it seems some people only like the older trucks. Well, maybe that's what you should buy. Or you could just buy a Ford or a pre '02 Ram.

Import Hater Enthusiast

Import Hater

Posted
Posted

Delphi's new Quadrasteer system looks good.  I never really done the whole off roading 4x4 thing, but it looks like it could only help.  Supposedly will be an option for like $4000 for 2002 1/2.  For now only the seriously overpriced Sierra Denali will have it.  I'm kinda surprised they don't have it in the new Hummer H2.  The thing is supposed to be wide anyways, I'm sure the axle would have fit.

 

Rob

CMNTMXR81 Senior Enthusiast

CMNTMXR81

Posted
Posted

wooohooo, my old SN works again!!!

 

Anyway;

 

A) Make AutoTrac an option on all 2500HD's and 3500's.  I realize they're work trucks, but they act the same regardless of chassis designation.

 

B) Make a true selection for "neutral" on the push button system.

Kansas Kid Senior Enthusiast

Kansas Kid

Posted
Posted
Well, I'm surprised no one has said it yet, but I guess I'll be first at it. :P

 

Manual Locking Hubs!

Either that or you could read the first post, in the 2500HD and 3500 section....

Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Loosen up the Autotrac. It feels like it uses an old limited slip with tight clutches.

Guest

Guest

Posted
Posted

Speaking of manual hubs...are they available aftermarket?

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.5k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,897
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    ncleg
    Newest Member
    ncleg
    Joined

  • Who's Online   1 Member, 0 Anonymous, 1,374 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • dna9656
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By dna9656 · Posted

      Your tire pressure issue may just be batteries, you can reset them using tge Ing switch (I think) and the owner's  manual. ChatGTP will b e a faster, better help than Google.
    • Another JR
      Towing In Loose Gravel

      By Another JR · Posted

      The thinking is that starting out in a higher gear makes it easier to avoid applying excessive torque when pressing the gas pedal. In a modern 4wd truck with 4 low and a limited slip or locking rear end, I would use 4 low and try to crawl up the ramp. Sometimes if they are too slippery, you have to back up to let the boat have some bouyancy, and then accelerate briskly to get some momentum to help you pull the through the slippery parts. 
    • XY74
      Roll up bed cover experiences

      By XY74 · Posted

      I have a Retrax pro that I first had on my 2020 chevy and transferred it to my current GMC.  It stays in the garage most of the time, so hard for me to judge it's long term weather resistance.  It still works perfectly, been very durable.  It doesn't see oil patch usage, but it's not a mall queen.  It keeps most things mostly dry (small leaks) and the security of it is enough to slow someone down but not keep them out for long.  I would buy one again, it works for me.     
    • fm2176
      New to Me 2010 SLE (Quirks, Issues)

      By fm2176 · Posted

      Thanks to the convenience of Amazon, I was able to get a few things done to the truck today.  I installed Carquest Premium oil and air filters with five quarts of Mobil1 High Mileage 10-30 along with a quart of Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 I already had.  The latch for the flip up center console lid was broken so I replaced it along with the power mirror switch.  I found my push retainer assortment this morning and reattached the plastic under the bumper and it was only held on with a few screws and retainers.  Then I programmed a new remote keyless entry fob so I can lock my dog in the truck when I take her out with me (I've got to keep the air going for her since it's been in the 100s).  Finally, I ordered some LED interior bulbs and replaced the reading lamps.  The front lights are working fine while one of the back lights only works intermittently and the other not at all.   While under the truck, I found the source of at least one of the noises: the sway bar links need replacing.  I ordered a set of Suspension Dudes links with Code Red bushings.  Never heard of them, but they're made in the USA and have decent reviews.  While making yet another Amazon order, I went ahead and added a set of front tow hooks.  I went with red, since that's the color of the sway bar link and bushings and it should look decent enough on a black and chrome truck.  Speaking of which, it doesn't bug me much, but the passenger side mirror has a chrome cap while the driver side doesn't, so eventually I'll make them match one way or another.  Oh, and I ordered a $20 TPMS reset tool.  No idea if it will do anything for my sensors but it was cheap and will work for the Ford Transit Connect as well.     For tradition's sake, I ordered a new oil change wrench.  I kept the Snap-On 9/16"x15mm GM wrench I bought when I was 18 in the 2006 GMC from the time I bought that truck until the truck was lost.  While I was tempted, there's no need to spend $80 for a new SO wrench, or even $50 with shipping for a used one on Ebay.  I just bought a Duratech 15mm extra-long ratcheting wrench to do the job as needed.  It works, and if I like that wrench enough, I'll buy the set.  
    • Another JR
      Multigate electrical problem

      By Another JR · Posted

      The recall is for exactly this issue - those drain holes combined with the limited environmental capability of the tailgate electronics card inside the tailgate were a problem. The “safety issue” was the potential for the tailgate to spontaneously open, but all kinds of tailgate misbehavior can occur from water contamination of that control card.    There is no real fix yet. The initial recall just disabled the tailgate. Later, when parts became available, they would replace bad parts with new parts of the same bad design. My dealer is going nuts because the few times I let them get their hands on my truck, my tailgate is off due to a slide-in camper installation. They really want to cut my tailgate wires, but I won’t give them the chance. I will let them get their dirty hands on it when a real fix (redesign) is available.  My tailgate, which works just fine with sealant plugging the drain holes, will remain safe in a dry storage crate until then.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...