4wd, driveshaft conversion thoughts.

davens

Just wanted to open a discussion on the feasibility, advantages/disadvantages etc. Strictly theoretical.

Has anyone though about replacing the driveshaft, or more specifically the "Real-Time" center viscous diff in a bid to change to full time 4wd? Or switch activated 4wd?

Custom driveshafts are pretty inexpensive these days. Use something stronger and lighter.



Basically turn the segmented shaft plus diff into one piece. And then use the lever assembly on the transfer case/tranny to activate the 4wd. Maybe use solenoids to throw the lever.

My biggest concern is determining if the transfer case and rear diff can take prolonged use. Replacing the rear end with something more durable(Like a '85 RX-7) looks do-able, at least on my '87. But the transfer case would still be stock

Which kind of touches on my desire to fortify or beef up the tranny so I could worry less and be a little more aggressive off the line (read: 4wd burnout)

sic944t

welll someone had all ready made a locked center .. but i must wonder why do you wanna beat the shit outta that poor thing .... i mean by all means more power to you its just ive launched mine its basically stock and it doesnt do much more than squeak a tire on dry pavement
i mean even if i was up 50 horse it still isnt like a 300 horse sti or somethin ...

D

davens wrote:

Has anyone though about replacing the driveshaft, or more specifically the "Real-Time" center viscous diff in a bid to change to full time 4wd? Or switch activated 4wd?

My 86 has the solenoid actuated valve to engage the transmission 4x4 linkage. solid prop shaft. Might be running by the end of summer. I see no reason that you couldn't accomplish this easily.

shenrie

The CRV driveline uses the same mounting bracket and is a lot lighter. However youll have to do a lot of mods to use the setup, and what Im doing to mine is supposidly gonna set me back almost 400 bucks. So not really inexpensive.

davens

I'm just thinking out loud, provoking discussion. If somebody wants to know later, the discussion is already archived.

D wrote:

My 86 has the solenoid actuated valve to engage the transmission 4x4 linkage. solid prop shaft. Might be running by the end of summer. I see no reason that you couldn't accomplish this easily.

I'm aware of the 3rd gen push button 4wd...which would be an option for me, but not any easier than a custon job for the 4th gens.

If I did it, I would probably use as much as I could from a push button for the actuatation but have the actual driveshaft custom made. Yeah maybe, carbon fiber a la Gran Turismo.

Haydz

If you swapped in an RX-7 rear diff, wouldn't you have the front wheels going forwards and the real wheels going backwards?

davens

That depends...which way does the wagon driveshaft turn?

akiraboy

the ideas in my head are as follows... (mind you I have a 1990 auto 4wd)
Eliminate the center differential.
Use a solid push/pull wire mated to the transmission toggle. Locate a hand switch in the cabin along with some contact switches on each end of the 4wd toggle mechanism to indicated if you are in 2wd or 4wd. Use some kind of indicator in the dash [2wd] [4wd] identifying what mode its in.
done

since the center diff I have never crapped out....well its still on the drawing board. I like the idea of using a linear actuator to switch the 2wd/4wd toggle like the 86 wagon but personally I would prefer the idea of flipping it manually, personal choice.

SiWagon

:shock: Honda did this on the 1990+ 4 dr.sdn. & WAGON.For more info check this link(under LSD):
http://www.hondacivicwagon.com/board/vi ... =4463#4463

:evil: One problem.You have 2 use a JDM Honda 4WD rear diff.It's totally different than the usdm diff.