Midwestdrifter
Engineer In Residence
Good morning everyone. Since arriving in Australia I have been mulling about ideas for getting 4WD onto our van. I recently had some inspiration, and I would like feedback from those knowledgeable. As of yet I have not gotten into the research, mostly because I don't have regular enough internet access.
Here is the gist of it. Starting with our 2WD automatic T1N sprinter. Install front subframe, uprights, diff, axles from a 4WD.
On the rear, swap in the locking Rear axle from the same donor 4WD sprinter (is available).
Getting drive power to the new front diff is the challenge. I propose using the transfer case from an automatic 4WD ML series. The guys at vancompass used the same on their ongoing T1N 4x4 prototype.
Custom parts needed: Front Drive/Prop shaft, Rear drive shaft?, Some transmission and related mounts. Vacuum lines /wiring for dif locks. A switch and wiring for the ML high low transfer case.
Pros: Minimum modification to vehicle, retains stock transmission, engine, No messing with Canbus.
Cons: Full Time 4WD only, Low range only usable with 1st gear, Front diff longevity with 40% torque split? No 4WD traction control (it may be possible to swap in the 4WD ABS unit and controller? Axle ratios must match, and may require programming the ABS/ESP controller?
My concerns: Will the front diff handle full time AWD use? Clearance for the front driveshaft? Random ESP/ABS issues in 4WD mode?
Questions I need to answer
What is the factory torque split on the T1N 4WD?
Does the ML use CV or U-joint drive shafts?
Will the transfer case clear the fuel tank?
Another idea, which I have not researched at all, would be to use the NCV3 NAG1 4WD transfer case, which could offer selectable 4WD with high/low range.
The other options, such as swapping the complete drivetrain from a 4WD sprinter have many unknowns, and would likely be more labor intensive. Plus, all they have is right hand drive units over here!
Any feedback is welcome.
Here is the gist of it. Starting with our 2WD automatic T1N sprinter. Install front subframe, uprights, diff, axles from a 4WD.
On the rear, swap in the locking Rear axle from the same donor 4WD sprinter (is available).
Getting drive power to the new front diff is the challenge. I propose using the transfer case from an automatic 4WD ML series. The guys at vancompass used the same on their ongoing T1N 4x4 prototype.
Custom parts needed: Front Drive/Prop shaft, Rear drive shaft?, Some transmission and related mounts. Vacuum lines /wiring for dif locks. A switch and wiring for the ML high low transfer case.
Pros: Minimum modification to vehicle, retains stock transmission, engine, No messing with Canbus.
Cons: Full Time 4WD only, Low range only usable with 1st gear, Front diff longevity with 40% torque split? No 4WD traction control (it may be possible to swap in the 4WD ABS unit and controller? Axle ratios must match, and may require programming the ABS/ESP controller?
My concerns: Will the front diff handle full time AWD use? Clearance for the front driveshaft? Random ESP/ABS issues in 4WD mode?
Questions I need to answer
What is the factory torque split on the T1N 4WD?
Does the ML use CV or U-joint drive shafts?
Will the transfer case clear the fuel tank?
Another idea, which I have not researched at all, would be to use the NCV3 NAG1 4WD transfer case, which could offer selectable 4WD with high/low range.
The other options, such as swapping the complete drivetrain from a 4WD sprinter have many unknowns, and would likely be more labor intensive. Plus, all they have is right hand drive units over here!
Any feedback is welcome.
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