AWD Transfer case

[patrickk1]

Periodically i run across threads where people want AWD and ponder cannibalizing some sort of import or an old Chevrolet AWD vehicle. The only thing that separates 4wd from AWD is the transfer case. With all the s10 swaps being done these days, this is now an easy task. The Chevy Silverado SS and the Escalade (some other GM vehicles too) used an all mechanical AWD transfer case in there vehicles. Its the NVG-149 or also called the NP149. I believe it was used from about 2001-2005. Back when NVG's site was up, NVG spec'd this transfer case at 2203ft lbs torque in a 6800lb vehicle. I had the case in an 550hp supercharged escalade and never had any problems and know many people who run 800hp+ in their silverado SS's and have never had any problems. The NVG-149 is a single speed, full-time all wheel drive transfer case. It has a planetary differential gear set that splits the torque, normally 38 percent to the front wheels and 62 percent to the rear wheels and adjusts front to rear or vice versa depending on the wheels slipping. Take 1 S10 4x4 frame, any cab you can make fit, a NP149 and Voila!

[NONHOG]

Awesome ! Love that idea, often wondered whats the differance between
Astro T-case and Syclone and now how do they compare to the one you just posted.

I am surprised there is not more street machines/trucks modded this way.
With FWD platforms as well as 4WD it seems do-able?
I dream of a 66 Toronado kinda like Jay Leno's but AWD, Ooh AWD 49 Panel ! I can see it now.
O.K. I am done rambling

[patrickk1]

Syclone, Typhoon, Astro, Safari, and Bravada ALL share the same transfercase, the Borg-Warner 1372/4472. The only difference is the spline count on input or output shafts on earlier vs. later models. The torque is split 35 front/65 rear. From what i have researched they are rated at 1100ftlbs torque. Keep in mind that this torque rating and the one above is rated at the output of the transmission. 1100 ft-lbs isn't all that high. A 400 ft-lb motor and a 4L60e (3.06:1 1st gear) and you're already at 1225 ft-lbs. Multiply that by torque convertor torque multiplication factor (assume 1.9) and you get 2325 ft-lbs keeping in mind that max torque multiplication would only occur for a momentary period in time. There are Sy's and Ty's running 9's and 10's in the quarter on the stock transfercase (not the stock trannies though).