Bravada off-roading: AWD or 4WD?

[SHOguy]

Sorry guys, searched for about an hour, so I gotta ask, even though I'm sure at one point or another, it's been asked...

Just acquired a 96 Bravada. I got it through the shop I work for, on a mechanic's lien(hopefully the title shows up this week). I've paid alittle over $600 for it. The deal is, the front driveshaft has been removed from the truck because the t-case chain was making noise. I have already acquired a new front DS, and I can fix the tcase pretty cheaply (AFAIK). BUT, I figured, since I want to use this thing for riding trails-among other things-I would ask if I can pretty much just replace the AWD case with a manual 4wd case and ride on. Common sense tells me that it would bolt up, and I could easily make room for the shifter thru the floorboard. But, should I be concerned about the front diff? Through my searching, I have at least learned that it is a non-disengaging unit(and I would surmise, an open diff?) I am also guessing, or hoping that the rear diff is a posi unit, most likely NOT a locker?

OR, on the flipside, is the AWD system actually worth a damn for offroad-use?

[chevyrules05]

your rear prob is an open diff now when it comes to AWD i would thnk that the front diff is always engaged, but i could be wrong, my 4wd and all others has a vacum powered acuater and cable system to engage the front axle, but if you keep your AWD it will almost be like 4hi when your rear wheels slip so deff get a winch or trail ride with other trucks.....


try posting in the "lifitn it" section

[GeorgesBlazah]

I am pretty sure all bravadas came with the G80 posi unit standard. Check the glovebox for the code g80.

[chevyrules05]

Quote: Originally Posted by GeorgesBlazah

I am pretty sure all bravadas came with the G80 posi unit standard. Check the glovebox for the code g80.

checked on ther internet and MOST bravadas came with the posi diff

[SHOguy]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm somewhat familiar with the actuator and collar for the front of the 4WDs...I had an 84 Blazer 4x4 that I kicked around for a bit. My concern was for the non disengaging AWD front...but perhaps would cause no problems other than some scrubbing around corners?

My 84 had a rear locker, boy that thing came in handy!

Something else occured to me today. I got to thinking about how all the trucks with the console auto shifter probably had electronic 4WD, instead of manual...and whether or not the manual tcase shifter may interfere with the trans shifter...any thoughts?

Either way, I will probably go to the local u-pull-it and poke around for awhile, usually they have a handful of 2nd gens.