Converting a Honda Element to AWD from FWD Manual

[@BiggySeth]

This is great! I have a 2wd and found a 4wd at a junkyard that sold me the rear diff and drive shaft for $120! All I was waiting for was how to convert the transmission and this video showed me how! thank you so much! FYI, I would set some solid spacers on your shaft mount between the bolt and frame for added strength and prevent the studs from bending.

[@hondaresource]

He hasn't had any issues that I'm aware of

[@jesseelledge2284]

What would be the approximate cost to do this?

[@Jason-nk4yr]

Always appreciate the content, recently got a 03 crv. Video's have always came in clutch.

[@hondaresource]

Awesome, thank you man

[@camonlairmore1391]

pun intended?

[@kenneth801]

8:57 do you know if those stubs will work on a 04 CRV? I’m trying to go AWD to FWD and wanted to remove my rear diff but I need something to hold the wheels on. Looking for some sort of axle stub. Thanks.

[@joshcaddis8348]

I'm proud. You said PP and two nuts in the video lol. Still waiting on the Peter-Peter. If you know you know haha.

[@jayaron]

I too noticed. Thought he was going to drop a deez nutz comment

[@hondaresource]

😂 pumpkin eater

[@bhadz100]

Do you have a video converting an element from auto to manual

[@hondaresource]

I don't

[@hutheyfafathy9981]

id also like to see this one if the opportunity comes up!

[@IntegraDIY]

would’ve been insanely cool if you opened the rear diff, and some how locked the clutch so it’s full time 4WD, i know the clutch pack can be upgraded, but locking it would be something different

[@hondaresource]

I’ve had a locked diff but you’ll need a viscous coupler

[@deanmanly9901]

You did well, welding used to be my job.

[@jeffwest5551]

Can you get a limited slip differential for this setup?

[@WesleyClouden]

have to do this to a SC soon

[@SaycoPworrell]

So this can also be done on the sc?

[@WesleyClouden]

@@SaycoPworrell yes is can I have SC I have done I use honda crosstrack rear diff its all bolt on also just works

[@alexnazrey4316]

Any chance you have or can do a 2wd to 4wd conversion video or explanation for 1st Gen CRV?

[@hondaresource]

I haven't ever done it on the crv, but I know the rear subframe doesn't have diff mounting points. There is already a spot to mount the driveshaft though.

[@orion_theartist]

How much would it cost to do this? Thinking about it for my 2007 EX Honda Element. Do you know any mechanics out in LA that can take care of this? @thehondaresource

[@captaindabbin7932]

Can you give us a ballpark estimate of what this build cost please sir? Just parts not labor cost. And whats the labor time ruffly? Thank you for your amazing videos ....

[@hondaresource]

no idea. Customer provided the parts

[@AdventureOutintheWildreness]

Awesome job, really straight forward on the build. Are you planning on adding a 6th grade to the 5 speed manual transmission in the future?

[@hondaresource]

It's a customer's, I'm not sure what his plans are exactly

[@jayaron]

I’d love a 6th gear. It gets to 5th so fast. But one thing at a time I guess

[@AdventureOutintheWildreness]

Week once that happens, I'll be ready to watch.

[@OptimusOne]

I wonder if this conversion would work on a second gen CR-V with an automatic transmission?

[@hondaresource]

You’d probably have you swap in an awd transmission.

[@eg39701]

This is probably a dumb question, but are the wheel bearings different in the AWD version from the FWD version? As in, would I need to replace the wheel bearings as well to fit the axles.

[@hondaresource]

Nope. The rear has an axle stub on the FWD version. The axle stub keeps the wheel bearing together just like the actual axle on the AWD version.

[@rustyseely6282]

Have you done a video for the rd2 awd conversion?

[@hondaresource]

I haven't

[@kaloyannikolov2482]

whats the part number for the diff bushings

[@Dragonista89]

Do you have a parts number for the rear axle shaft?

[@rockydyal8574]

What would be cost to do this to my sc? Where you located? Also add 6th gear?

[@hondaresource]

I'm in Alabama, unfortunately this is not a job I'll have time to take on again anytime soon

[@5x5Baer]

Am I correct in guessing that if i want to do this conversion and not explode and rebuild my transmission, i could purchase a JDM 5 speed AWD transmission…? Also, what about any type of speed/slip sensor to activate the awd? Or is that a bypass in the ecu??? Just testing the water. Thanks for all your tutorial. Keep up the good work.

[@hondaresource]

The AWD system is purely mechanical, nothing electronic on it. You could purchase one already assembled

[@5x5Baer]

So, as far as the rear differential and axles and i heard you say the drive shaft is from your crv… do i need Element parts or are the CRV’s the same

[@hondaresource]

@@5x5Baer you need Element

[@5x5Baer]

Found one!! It is Automatic and mine is 5 speed. Would you know: Is there a possibility of the transfer cases being the same???

[@mikepina-j1491]

This video is defiantly gonna help me out ! I did have a question I’m doing auto awd to manuals awd do you happen to know if transfer case is the same got a deal on a 2wd manual so I’ll be converting also

[@hondaresource]

No, auto and manual have different transfer cases

[@mikepina-j1491]

Finally have everything ordered I have the 2wd transmission the ring gear the awd diff with reverse bolts and manual transfer case is there anything else I need to convert transmission ?

[@JosePerez-kj2dp]

so many questions …. is there a place to chat about this conversion?

[@hondaresource]

Email me [e-mail]

[@KevinHawkins-ng5hq]

How much do think a mechanic would charge to do this conversion? I'm looking at a fwd for purchase, but really has wanted an awd model. Thanks.

[@hondaresource]

More than it's probably worth

[@EvanAxer]

would you happen to know if the transfercase is the same from the Automatic transmission ? Like can you install the Automatic transmission transfercase into a manual gear box ???

[@hondaresource]

It is not. They are not interchangable

[@EvanAxer]

@@hondaresource damn that threw a wrench right into my 2008 Honda Element awd conversion 😮‍💨. Thanks for the info. Do you know what is the difference between them? Is it gear ratio or design?

[@jayaron]

Love the videos, keep them coming!

[@PaulElisha-x8v]

What Transfer case can i use with my 03 manual transmission. Can it be an auto transfer case or does only a manual transfer case work?

[@hondaresource]

Only manual

[@BlackHmong85]

Will that element fwd whole gear set fit into a basic 5spd case?

[@hondaresource]

Yes

[@BlackHmong85]

Thank you

[@PaulElisha-x8v]

I have a rear diff out of a 07 crv would i be able to use this to convert my 03 element to awd?

[@hondaresource]

Correct. The 07-11 crv rear diff would actually be my choice of differentials if it were mine.

[@paulelisha5079]

Sweet and what about the transfer case and prop shaft could I use an auto transfer case and prop shaft

[@richiewestside]

Is it the same process for an automatic?

[@hondaresource]

Yes, just get an auto AWD transmission

[@JDMKing5464]

Hey I enjoyed the video to the t I have one question is this process appliable to the element SC and is there something about making it full time all wheel drive from my understanding the element or Honda's all-wheel drive system is not full time for the CRV or the element thank you for your content and if and when the comment back

[@hondaresource]

I don't know about the SC, I haven't had one to look at. That's true that Honda's AWD isn't true AWD. The rear doesn't engage until the front slips

[@JDMKing5464]

@@hondaresource so would you say converting it with regular all-wheel drive components from the element would be worth it in the long run making the SC AWD

[@rudyzanet3861]

Yes absolutely worth it. After driving my awd automatic Element in the snow and comparing jt to how my fwd manual SC spun and spun in the snow, I will not put up with fwd anymore. I picked up a CRV manual awd transmission and I intend to pull the needed parts from it to convert my sc transmission to awd and do the 6th gear conversion at the same time. In my experience, in the winter, the awd Element is way better than a fwd Element. 👌🏽

[@mnr-nasty7450]

Does this work for automatic elements?

[@hondaresource]

Not that I’m aware of

[@BiGR1789]

I have an issue I bet you could help me with.... On a2005 CR-V. Automatic . AWD... It has a bad transmission... In finding a good used one I'm running into an issue about made in "U K" or made in Japan. .Hollander says they won't interchange... Some people even tell me that an element transmission will work in it .. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@hondaresource]

I just have them rebuilt. It sucks but is what it is

[@send-itdave3012]

what's the estimated cost to do this conversion? (nowadays)

[@hondaresource]

depending on parts, I'd say 2000-4000 parts and labor

[@lawrenceanderson6167]

I have a 2001 Honda CRV SE with AWD. Can you tell me what is required to make a 2 wheel drive ( FWD) Could I just remove the AWD driveshaft or do I need to do more?

[@hondaresource]

Just remove the drive shaft and you're good to go

[@lawrenceanderson6167]

@@hondaresource Thanks Thought that was all but was not sure. Did not want the yoke coming out of the transfer case Did not know if the transfer case yoke was held in by the driveshaft. Again, thanks

[@NP-co7kj]

Hi! I'm seeing if it is feasible to convert a 2003 auto AWD Element to manual AWD. My situation is I have new looking 2003 manual FWD (with bad underbody corrosion) and would like to buy a 2003 auto AWD but convert it to manual AWD. I am aware of everything else that has to be moved over but I am unsure of how to handle the manual FWD transmission. I'm guessing I need a manual transfer case and a ring gear. Is there anything else I need to do to the FWD manual transmission? Thanks.

[@IntegraDIY]

that would be easy, you’ll need a lot of parts tho to track down. manual awd 5spd, clutch and flywheel, clutch cables, shifter box, clutch pedal assembly. and random hardware

[@kodiakdynasty5074]

I picked up a 2wd element and was thinking on getting a 4wd transmission for it and a rear differential but do you know if they come in only one axle ratio or did they make different gear ratios like in pickup trucks?

[@hondaresource]

Only one ratio

[@SuburbanBeard]

I have an element Halloween horror story my alternator went, it killed my battery. luckily my battery is still under 100% warranty so I got that replaced for free. But when I started taking everything apart to get tested. I found out my fans had no bolts in them, so it made it easy to take out to access other areas then I removed the battery and the housing I discovered the welds have rusted off like I was holding a piece of Elmer's glue in my hand so then I decided to change the thermostat since I could get to it. took wayyyy to long but I got it back on (such horrible placement) Then since all the paint is chipping off the engine I was cleaning it up and then I decided to change the spark plugs, when I got to the spark plugs I saw there were NO BOLTS holding in the boots for the spark plugs....

[@SuburbanBeard]

I am currently on the hunt for a good deal on an alternator and advance auto parts seems to have the best pricing as far as an easy pickup. I am afraid to go used (not remanufactured but used) I don't want to have to do this again for awhile. Before this happened I was in the middle or replacing the ignition switch, keys and dreading replacing the door locks i also upgraded all dash and climate control lights with led and painted all my dash pieces for a new look

[@SuburbanBeard]

so as of now i need to install a battery, alternator, plugs, fans, all dash components and plastic, muffler, rear struts, front upper control arm bar, trailer wiring, additional 12v port and plugs and figure out how to properly clean and repaint the engine without having to remove it. OHH and how to properly and safely fix all the major rust in the engine bay. at this point im starting to think i should sell it for parts and buy another one lol If anyone is in the cleveland area hit me up if you are bored and want to help a fellow elemental!

[@hondaresource]

sounds like you are having fun!

[@StephenAldaco]

This is pretty crazy!

[@Tuxedoz]

You make it look easy! Lol

[@hondaresource]

Thanks man!

[@jayaron]

So easy a caveman can do it!😆

[@SabreTV]

If we could only figure a way to be able to open that back door independent of the front door...

[@roberttaylor7732]

Pretty slick!

[@hondaresource]

Thank you

[@jaguars08221]

Sweet now we can go rock climbing. 😂

[@hondaresource]

It's a customers car. The AWD definitely helps off the pavement, but Hondas aren't Rock crawlers

[@matth6839]

Thanks for your video

[@nunuwilson7736]

Nice shirt 👍

[@hondaresource]

Thank you 😂

[@jayaron]

Ready for the weekend!

[@edeeidee761]

Great job

[@hondaresource]

Thank you

[@mustangjoe8352]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@nobodynoone2500]

Thats pretty easy compared to the 1st gen crv.

[@hondaresource]

Not too bad at all

[@slimsqde7397]

LETS GOO FIRST COMMENT, IM HYPED FOR THE VID HAHA

[@hondaresource]

Thanks man

[@mikeschneider2161]

What about a automatic to five-speed conversion 🙏🏻😎👍