Front Wheel Drive - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mneubecker · 02-10-2009, 01:21 AM

Have any of you converted your trucks over to front wheel drive?

hotrodhomi · 02-10-2009, 01:31 AM

Don't take this wrong but, why would anyone do this?

*79 silverado* · 02-10-2009, 03:21 AM

I had a friend who did this maybe... 12 years or so back. He blew a u-joint when he was short on funds so he just took the rear drive shaft out, then drove around in 4wd in-town on the short trips he needed till he got parts....

wait.

you were serious...

mneubecker · 02-10-2009, 03:33 AM

Yep, I'm serious. One day my truck will belong to my son so I'm trying to keep in mind the types of things that will be important 20 years from now. Rear wheel drive isn't a huge issue to me but it might be to him or his kids. Gas prices will also be a guaranteed issue for him as well so I'm considering crazy things like fuel cells, 4 cyl engine, etc.

TwoFiftyShifter · 02-10-2009, 08:23 AM

Why would FWD ever be important? You'd want a 4 banger anywat if you were going FWD.....

rookierodbuilder · 02-10-2009, 09:06 AM

Keep the rear wheel drive and shove in a hot ecotec or something.

redsean · 02-10-2009, 12:25 PM

besides your gonna get better fuel miles out of a 8 or 6 a 4 is gonna work to hard to move the heavy truck, if any thing would make one of these trucks safer make it all wheel drive.

hotrodhomi · 02-10-2009, 01:21 PM

how about you teach your kid how to work on cars and then he can change what he wants when it belongs to him. It will be a good bonding experience and you will both learn a thing or two.

TwiggyTheDrummer · 02-10-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

how about you teach your kid how to work on cars and then he can change what he wants when it belongs to him. It will be a good bonding experience and you will both learn a thing or two.

I'm with hotrodhomi on this, if he wants to change it to fit the times once he has it then ok, but definitely don't do front wheel drive. Bad idea.

jonzcustomshop · 02-10-2009, 03:50 PM

A guy in town has one done up like this, 'cept it is a f*%d.
caddy eldo motor and frontaxle, and then a car trailer welded to the rear frame.
kinda like this:

retodd7711 · 02-10-2009, 07:23 PM

Gawd! That's just wrong

The only thing strong enough with front wheel would be a Toronado 455
Good luck with that.
Maybe a v-6 mini-van?
I just don't see this as workable.

TwiggyTheDrummer · 02-10-2009, 07:54 PM

That is wrong in so many ways.

502tripower · 02-10-2009, 08:38 PM

This makes no sense to me at all. There is a difference in your everyday transportation and your hot rod. Hot Rods have rear wheel drive and go sideways. At least the ones in my garage....JM2 Cents...

joe231 · 02-10-2009, 10:14 PM

scotts62 · 02-10-2009, 10:40 PM

i just dont know what to say...
want better fuel mileage most buy a smaller car with a 4 banger and commute to work so we can save some money and put into the beasts in our garages

pittdawg · 02-10-2009, 10:54 PM

No offense but you cant be serious? This is got to be the strangest post I have read on this site.

tiggamonsta · 02-10-2009, 11:59 PM

What about making it electric with all wheel drive. You can have the only 0 emission all wheel drive 60's pickup. I always say if you are going different, make sure it stands out.

scotts62 · 02-11-2009, 07:35 AM

oooo make it a hybrid

**ChiefRocka** · 02-11-2009, 08:41 AM

rookierodbuilder · 02-11-2009, 09:12 AM

if a person could somehow modify these new electric wheel motors that a lot of the car companies to put on one of these trucks, I think it would be pretty cool. I hate saying this on a chevy based forum, but I here that ford has put four of these on an f150 prototype and their combined horsepower is around the 600 hp mark.

jonzcustomshop · 02-11-2009, 09:16 AM

Yes I do not see where front wheel drive would be any advantage at all, for emissions, or economy.
The only real advantage of any front wheel drive, is better traction on the snow and ice.

If you were doing it for the sake of doing it, if done right it might be a cool novelty, but yet again I see no advantage , other than maybe laying frame without having to have a massive step notch in the back. (a dropped straight axle)

I do like the idea of an electric, but you can set those up with rwd and a powerglide, you just bolt the electric motor in right where the gas engine used to be.
A local guy did a s10 like this, range of 90mi, after seeing it I thought that it would be cool done to a 60-66. + all the batteries help it run low....
It would make my decade to break free of OPEC for my daily, and just use a gas motor for fun on the weekends!

PrerunnerRob · 02-11-2009, 11:16 AM

Correct me if I am wrong here, but I always thought front wheel drive came about as a cost savings. It allows the auto mfr to have the drivetrain in a compact, small package. I can't see any benefit from fwd, otherwise all the high dollar sports cars would have gone to that long ago.

65panelrat · 02-11-2009, 11:28 AM

Wtf??????????

retodd7711 · 02-11-2009, 06:47 PM

Speaking of hybrids.
Why are they not using the back (non-drive) wheels to turn a generator?
This would prolong the charge of the batteries and use less fuel.
I mean, the wheels are turning anyway. Why not put them to use.

MrPhotographer06 · 02-11-2009, 08:21 PM

FWD?

RWD all the way

02-10-2009, 01:21 AM	#1
mneubecker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: paola ks Posts: 30	Front Wheel Drive Have any of you converted your trucks over to front wheel drive?

02-10-2009, 01:31 AM	#2
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Front Wheel Drive Don't take this wrong but, why would anyone do this? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

02-10-2009, 03:21 AM	#3
79 silverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rhode Island/Vermont Posts: 583	Re: Front Wheel Drive I had a friend who did this maybe... 12 years or so back. He blew a u-joint when he was short on funds so he just took the rear drive shaft out, then drove around in 4wd in-town on the short trips he needed till he got parts.... wait. you were serious...

02-10-2009, 03:33 AM	#4
mneubecker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: paola ks Posts: 30	Re: Front Wheel Drive Yep, I'm serious. One day my truck will belong to my son so I'm trying to keep in mind the types of things that will be important 20 years from now. Rear wheel drive isn't a huge issue to me but it might be to him or his kids. Gas prices will also be a guaranteed issue for him as well so I'm considering crazy things like fuel cells, 4 cyl engine, etc.

02-10-2009, 08:23 AM	#5
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Front Wheel Drive Why would FWD ever be important? You'd want a 4 banger anywat if you were going FWD..... __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

02-10-2009, 09:06 AM	#6
rookierodbuilder Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sharpsburg, Ky. Posts: 110	Re: Front Wheel Drive Keep the rear wheel drive and shove in a hot ecotec or something. Last edited by rookierodbuilder; 02-10-2009 at 09:06 AM.

02-10-2009, 12:25 PM	#7
redsean Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: florence ky Posts: 51	Re: Front Wheel Drive besides your gonna get better fuel miles out of a 8 or 6 a 4 is gonna work to hard to move the heavy truck, if any thing would make one of these trucks safer make it all wheel drive.

02-10-2009, 01:21 PM	#8
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Front Wheel Drive how about you teach your kid how to work on cars and then he can change what he wants when it belongs to him. It will be a good bonding experience and you will both learn a thing or two. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

02-10-2009, 03:50 PM	#10
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Front Wheel Drive A guy in town has one done up like this, 'cept it is a f*%d. caddy eldo motor and frontaxle, and then a car trailer welded to the rear frame. kinda like this: Attached Images

02-10-2009, 07:23 PM	#11
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: Front Wheel Drive Gawd! That's just wrong The only thing strong enough with front wheel would be a Toronado 455 Good luck with that. Maybe a v-6 mini-van? I just don't see this as workable. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

02-10-2009, 07:54 PM	#12
TwiggyTheDrummer Keep It Simple Stupid.. Nope.. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Live Oak, FL Posts: 665	Re: Front Wheel Drive That is wrong in so many ways. __________________ 1963 GMC SWB Fleetside in Sunburst Orange Metallic 305E V6 w/ Plaid VC, Powerglide, BOSS 313 20" Chrome Wheels, Kumho Ecsta STX 275/45/R20's, Alpine/Clarion System, Dynomax Exhaust Old custom classic trucks have soul. Their dashboards aren't plastic, and they've survived both the best and worst of what the 20th century had to offer. For the owners of these trucks, it's often the same story. Through both good and bad times they persevered, until one day they could turn the key and roll up in a customized truck everyone with good taste would admire. – Custom Classic Trucks

02-10-2009, 08:38 PM	#13
502tripower Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Satsop, WA Posts: 606	Re: Front Wheel Drive This makes no sense to me at all. There is a difference in your everyday transportation and your hot rod. Hot Rods have rear wheel drive and go sideways. At least the ones in my garage....JM2 Cents... __________________ 1963' Chev Custom Cab 502, 67' 435hp 3X2 intake, 9" 4:30 Posi 1961 Impala SS 348/350 4-speed 3:70 Posi 1961 Bel-Air Bubble Top 283 Turboglide soon to have a 348 3X2 4-speed 1950 17' Fairliner twin cockpit barrel stern 312 Y block 1X1 intake Borg Warner 1:1 gear 1957 Fleetform 14' twin cockpit barrel stern 1969 BP-125 Merc 1949 Transitier 3-wheel forklift Crosley 4-Banger 98' FXD 2002 2500HD

02-10-2009, 10:14 PM	#14
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Front Wheel Drive __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

02-10-2009, 10:40 PM	#15
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,240	Re: Front Wheel Drive i just dont know what to say... want better fuel mileage most buy a smaller car with a 4 banger and commute to work so we can save some money and put into the beasts in our garages __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

02-10-2009, 10:54 PM	#16
pittdawg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 31	Re: Front Wheel Drive No offense but you cant be serious? This is got to be the strangest post I have read on this site.



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02-10-2009, 11:59 PM	#17
tiggamonsta Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Creek, TX Posts: 167	Re: Front Wheel Drive What about making it electric with all wheel drive. You can have the only 0 emission all wheel drive 60's pickup. I always say if you are going different, make sure it stands out.

02-11-2009, 07:35 AM	#18
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,240	Re: Front Wheel Drive oooo make it a hybrid __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

02-11-2009, 08:41 AM	#19
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Front Wheel Drive __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

02-11-2009, 09:12 AM	#20
rookierodbuilder Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Sharpsburg, Ky. Posts: 110	Re: Front Wheel Drive if a person could somehow modify these new electric wheel motors that a lot of the car companies to put on one of these trucks, I think it would be pretty cool. I hate saying this on a chevy based forum, but I here that ford has put four of these on an f150 prototype and their combined horsepower is around the 600 hp mark.

02-11-2009, 09:16 AM	#21
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Front Wheel Drive Yes I do not see where front wheel drive would be any advantage at all, for emissions, or economy. The only real advantage of any front wheel drive, is better traction on the snow and ice. If you were doing it for the sake of doing it, if done right it might be a cool novelty, but yet again I see no advantage , other than maybe laying frame without having to have a massive step notch in the back. (a dropped straight axle) I do like the idea of an electric, but you can set those up with rwd and a powerglide, you just bolt the electric motor in right where the gas engine used to be. A local guy did a s10 like this, range of 90mi, after seeing it I thought that it would be cool done to a 60-66. + all the batteries help it run low.... It would make my decade to break free of OPEC for my daily, and just use a gas motor for fun on the weekends!

02-11-2009, 11:16 AM	#22
PrerunnerRob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose Posts: 847	Re: Front Wheel Drive Correct me if I am wrong here, but I always thought front wheel drive came about as a cost savings. It allows the auto mfr to have the drivetrain in a compact, small package. I can't see any benefit from fwd, otherwise all the high dollar sports cars would have gone to that long ago.

02-11-2009, 11:28 AM	#23
65panelrat Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 211	Re: Front Wheel Drive Wtf?????????? __________________ Bowties For Life!🇺🇸

02-11-2009, 06:47 PM	#24
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: Front Wheel Drive Speaking of hybrids. Why are they not using the back (non-drive) wheels to turn a generator? This would prolong the charge of the batteries and use less fuel. I mean, the wheels are turning anyway. Why not put them to use. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

02-11-2009, 08:21 PM	#25
MrPhotographer06 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: smalltown,SC Posts: 133	Re: Front Wheel Drive FWD? RWD all the way __________________ 63 C10 Longstepper -Rusty [temporary name] White/Red theme planned -Scott

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