4x4 vs 4x2: Is it really that much of a difference?

Nanotech Environmental · June 18, 2015

As others mentioned, it would cost waaaay too much to try to convert a 2wd to 4wd. You pretty much have to redo the entire front end of the truck, as all the running gear, suspension and steering is completely different. An easy and affordable solution that will help somewhat is to put a Detroit TrueTrac diff in the rear. Don't waste your time or money on a G80, as they are a total POS.

The Truetrac can be bought from Summit for cheap and installed in an afternoon by a competent person. I have one in my 4wd now and love it; I use 4wd less than I used to in the winter.

It's not as good as 4wd, but it's a lot better than one wheel drive. You can get the necessary parts for around $600 or so.

Gsty1eNate78 · June 18, 2015

After double checking, I need to make a correction. My Silverado does have the G80 rear differential (GM throws that in if the truck/SUV is equipped with the Stabili-Track and/or Towing packages). Is there a way to bypass the ECU and keep it running fulltime? (I'm referring to the "Grey wire hack" for the locking rear diff on the mid to late '80's model Toyota trucks). I have started researching the TrueTrac rear diff from Summit. Thanks for everyone who sounded off. I intend to keep banking until I can upgrade my soon-to-be-dead Trailblazer for a 3rd row Tahoe or Yukon (either with the 2500HD Z71 would work).This will keep me running for the next couple years at least.

Chris · June 18, 2015

After double checking, I need to make a correction. My Silverado does have the G80 rear differential (GM throws that in if the truck/SUV is equipped with the Stabili-Track and/or Towing packages). Is there a way to bypass the ECU and keep it running fulltime? (I'm referring to the "Grey wire hack" for the locking rear diff on the mid to late '80's model Toyota trucks). I have started researching the TrueTrac rear diff from Summit. Thanks for everyone who sounded off. I intend to keep banking until I can upgrade my soon-to-be-dead Trailblazer for a 3rd row Tahoe or Yukon (either with the 2500HD Z71 would work).This will keep me running for the next couple years at least.

It is a mechanical locking differential. There are no electronics to it. If it senses a wheel speed difference of 100 rpm then it will lock

intheburbs · June 18, 2015

The G80 is mechanical, not electrical. It's self-contained. Not external wires, cables or switches. Some folks will say that they're fragile and break easily - well yes, they do, if you like doing burnouts, doughnuts and bootleg turns. I have 3 trucks (totaling 400k miles) with the G80 locker - it works as advertised.

Here are a few videos that explain it well"

asilverblazer · June 20, 2015

I'd look into doing a solid axle swap. You'd be doing similar amounts of fabrication/modifications with out having to fuss with all the electronics. A manual transfer case on the tail of your current trans, new drive shafts, steering rack/box, set of leaf springs, axle, ta-da... Plus you can get a custom axle with your ABS sensors already in them so that would plug and play.

There is something to be said for wanting to keep the truck you have and know rather than trade it in on someone else's problems.

BlackZ71Silverado · June 20, 2015

You can always get yourself a set of chains, that will help increase your traction.

Those who you claim had their 4x4 converted to 2wd for fuel economy are fools. It doesn't even make sense to do something like that. Worried about a few pennies at the pump but pay thousands of dollars to have your truck devalued and torn apart.

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CapitalTruck · July 2, 2015

Man, I tell you, I pushed a 2wd truck for years. I did the tire-chains thing in the snow many a time. Maybe the locking rear would have helped. It probably would have. But I can say this: I will never, unless I'm somehow forced to, go back to a 2wd pickup. Again, maybe if my 2wd had had the locking rear I would be singing a different tune, but the constant bags of sand + tire chains in snow really got old. Eventually I got four rims with snow tires mounted on them that I would put on in the winter. Those Bridgesone Blizzaks helped ALOT. However, compared to the convenience of 4wd it just doesn't compare. I can say with confidence that a decently weighed-down truck bed with tire chains is pretty unstoppable in the snow. One additional unthought-of (by me) plus of 4wd for me was when going down a really steep snowcovered hill. Braking was a no-no. However, by dropping into 4WD low I was able to just creep down the mountain. That low range gearing made a real difference.