S-10 AWD swap quick overview.

[@jaysonburns4423]

I've been building up my 2000 GMC jimmy sle ...it was 4 wheel drive now it's all wheel drive with a built 4l60e trans from monster transmission..stock 4.3 with a comp cam ....not gonna ls swap it it just a fun cruiser for me and I've love it and have had it 8 years..

[@whoknowsu1002]

Hey man I've got a 99 Chevy Blazer 4 door 4×4 and I've been thinking about making it awd and finding me a 4.3 motor out of a wreck or something to sup up just a little because the one that's in it has 270k miles on it and the oil pressure is starting to dip in between oil change and it's got no power going up steep hill and I live in the mountains of Tennessee so it's either going up or down most times and it's days are numbered but anyway just how hard was the awd drive swap and how expensive was it and are the parts easy available any info would be greatly appreciated 👍

[@DaInfamous0ne]

I cant wait to do this to my LT Blazer. I'm goin 6.0 with a 2.9 Maggie and a 6L80E... hopefully the AWD will fit also. It's gonna be my weekend truck. 🤪

[@aliciaANDanthonySandoval]

Nice i want to do this to my '86 1st gen single cab some day when funds become available.😎 chevy ss 1st gen!!!

[@jackperry9369]

Thanks for the content needed this for my GMC Jimmy V8 swap lol 😆

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Heak ya. I'm glad it brought some value for you. When you get the jimmy done, upload a video. I'd love to see it.

[@DennisMurphey]

great info on Bravada parts, i want to build up a 2nd Gen S10 Blazer 2 door like a more modern Typhoon, This gives me hope and some direction, Thanks for posting, Dennis in Virginia

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Glad I could help Dennis. Send me some info when you get yours done so I can check it out.

[@AjarZzzz]

Awesome seeing someone else in okc doing this. And finding an9ther youtuber from okc you are like the 3rd one that does car stuff ive seen this week lol. But definitely looking to do something like this just wanting to get my 07 f150 4.6 sold then out the money into an obs truck of some sorts. But if this is ever running and up for sale i might be your guy!

[@michaelcoffin4364]

This blazer is long gone. It ran before this video for 2 years. Then my accident where I re-cracked the frame from a previous accident I didn't know the vehicle had been in. I kept the AWD system. I would like to find another 2 door 4x4 blazer to swap it into. Been wanting to do a step by bstep on how I would do it vs how others have done it.

[@AjarZzzz]

@@michaelcoffin4364 sorry to hear that! But definitely post about it if you start a new project and can i understand how hard it is to film while trying to work on something though but best of luck to ya.

[@penelopethewolfhybrid940]

Hell yea thanks I got a awd safari looking for a Jimmy or blazer to swap too

[@whitewalls8778]

Hey Michael, hope you're well! Had a change of plans and just picked up a 4x4 Jimmy with a manual transmission. Will you tell me about the roll pan/ bumper delete and that side trim? Where can I buy those pieces?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

I was told an AWD system will work on a manual too. I'm not sure how to do it as I've not looked into it. The roll pan and side pieces came as part of a kit on ebay. It was from some dealer in mexico. The fitment is crap. I highly recommend finding them somewhere else. If you can find an old kit made out of abs, BUY IT! They will be more expensive but the fit, finish and overall finish quality will be better. You either pay for quality parts that require a little bit of finish work. Or you buy cheap parts and pay for a lot of fit and finish. In the end you are out the same cost but you didn't put lipstick on a pig.

[@nomoreautomatics9322]

Nice work, here. My next build will be an awd s10. I'm deciding whether to buy a syclone (previously owned a typhoon) or doing this swap on a first gen s10 with an LS1. I'm following most of what you're saying regarding the swap but unclear on the need to customize the fuel lines. Will you explain what they were in the way of? Sorry if I missed it the two times I've watched your video. Thanks for any insight you can share.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

NB H sorry for the late reply. KZbin didn't notify me of your comment. I just saw it when I got a notification of someone else's comment. If you're going to ls swap it. Just use a standard s10. Less cost and you won't get a bunch of hate mail from the sy/ty community. As for the fuel lines. You just have to extend them. The transfer case is clocked closer to the floor of the truck. So the fuel lines need to be moved to run around the driver side of the transfer case instead of over the top. It's really easy but you need a steady hand to cut the original plastic lines off and not cut the push lock fitting. If i were to do it again. I'd spend the extra money to adapt from a push lock style to a braided line. Then buy some nice billet fuel line clamps and run them along the frame. I was in a hurry and was trying to do it on a budget. Hope this helps.

[@nomoreautomatics9322]

Hey Michael, thanks for the reply. I've had a busy month... I really hated to butcher a Syclone, plus I don't mind doing things the hard way so I bought a 92 Sonoma Gt (rwd) that already had an lt1 installed. Of course it gets practically zero traction, so I'm going to fix that. I bought a 4x4 with the same wheel base, yanked the body, engine and tranny and I'm in the process of restoring and converting the 4x4 chassis to AWD. Eventually I'll swap the GT body over. It may well be the only AWD Sonoma Gt since production was limited to 806. For me, it's all about the build and this projects definitely delivers the goods, lol. Thanks for your insight as it helped direct me down this path. Hope you're well.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

NB H that's awesome. Do you have a link to a build thread?

[@nomoreautomatics9322]

@@michaelcoffin4364 I don't really have a build thread per se but here is where I'm currently at. The truck runs strong with an LT1 motor and awd system very similar to that of the syclone. Unfortunately it is put up for the winter but I want to put more miles on it/ test it for reliability this spring. Then I'll tackle the forced induction. www.s10forum.com/forum/f10/1992-sonoma-gt-5-7-w-awd-trans-question-845407/#post12164617

[@All-things-shitbox]

Anything will fit in anything with a big enough hammer

[@zakaialfred9543]

I realize Im pretty randomly asking but does anyone know of a good place to stream newly released tv shows online ?

[@marcosdavian6174]

@Zakai Alfred I watch on flixzone. You can find it on google :)

[@whitewalls8778]

This is a super helpful video for someone wanting to get more performance out of their 4x4 s10. I had a typhoon back in the day but I left it mostly stock and never enjoyed it to its full potential. I'm thinking about building an 03-04 AWD crew cab version. Question- did you swap suspension parts back to stock? If so, what has been the best handling setup you've used?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Thanks, that's exactly why I made the video. I didn't put anything back on it. It actually went to a local school for frame repair after finding a cracked frame and crappy previously repaired frame work. My buddy is the teacher there so I hooked him up. As for suspension, look at jsmachineandfab.com. He does fabulous work and is the master with suspension design, setup and fabrication on the s10 AWD/4x4 chassis. Go with viking coilovers. Stay away from QA1 with this chassis. Many people have had problems and switched to vikings. Also stay away from rpm motorsports tubular front end kit for the typhoon/syclone. They push the lower ball joint out to compensate for bad geometry. Thus pulling the ouyer cv on the driveshaft out of its proper plane causing it to cam over. This will plague you with all different kind of vibrations as I had. The JSM kit DOES have the proper geometry for a lowered awd vehicle. I plan to use all of his parts on my 83 ext cab 4x4 when it gets redone and swapped to awd.

[@TickledFunnyBone]

Are the roll pans still available for the S-10? And are they cheap? I looked the S-10 forum and all they had were very expensive steel roll pans.

[@lsxcole7039]

Did you end up finishing it? I’m wanting to make my 4x4 4.3 Single Cab 5 speed AWD and put a L31 5.7L I think it would be a cool sleeper

[@michaelcoffin4364]

1 CammedSS it was finished and I was daily driving it for over a year before I wrecked it and made this video.

[@thomaschampagne4536]

When you say, “change out the front half of the diff”, is it just changing out the CV Axle Shaft for the Bravada’s CV Axel Shaft?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Thomas, sorry for not making it clear in the video. The frint half is referring to the passenger side half of the front diff housing. It's referenced in manuals and by GM as an extension housing I believe. So the housing and the appropriate axle will need to be swapped in. Should be 3 bolts on the axle housing and 2 bolts that hold it to the frame.

[@MegaBedrock1]

@@michaelcoffin4364 where can I find part for My 95 blazer

[@Mikeywil0003]

Cool swap. I always wanted to do this on a 1st gen with a 92-95 vortec, mercruiser manifold and a turbo. What is the difference between the 4x4 front diff and the bravada diff? I have done the opposite on Jeeps, AWD to 4x4 and the diffs didn't need changed. Also did AWD to 4x4 on a 5.0 explorer, and the diffs didn't need changed on that either. I'd think that on a blazer/bravada it would be a regular open diff in front and either an open or limited slip in rear, regardless if it was 4x4 or AWD.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Whole diff doesn't need changed. Just the pass side extension housing and axle. Removes the dog clutch area. Some people pin the 4x4 diff closed but I don't like doing stuff like that.

[@Mikeywil0003]

Michael Coffin oh yeah. I forgot about that axle disconnect. I haven't owned a blazer in a long time. I've had like 5 of them over the years, but 1st gens are getting hard to find in the northeast. Once I find one that isn't all rotted out, I'm going to be doing this.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

@@Mikeywil0003 hell ya. Do it. I'll probably take the stuff out of this one and put it in my 83 extended cab.

[@christophervancamp4494]

So, I got the borgs warner 4472 out of a 1997 jimmy with the front dif, both front cv shafts and the front drive shaft. All I need to do is swap the passenger side cv shaft and get a new rear drive shaft? Or will my drive shaft from my 2000 chevy blazer 4x4 work. Both the jimmy and my blazer were 4 doors

[@michaelcoffin4364]

I cant remember if the output shaft flange is the same for the rear, someone can correct me. I want to say I had the yolk swapped and the driveshaft rebuilt. I don't believe it was modifies length wise. Throw yours in and double check. Would take 2 minutes.

[@seanpaul8584]

Was your truck 4x4 to begin with and are swapping to AWD?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Yes, to do a bolt in swap, you have to start with a 4x4 frame.

[@chubbysumo2230]

Should have gotten the newer transfer case from the newer Chevy Express/GMC savana. They are a lot more well built, and will actually fully lock up.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

I got the exact t-case I wanted. Having one that would lock up would require me to have exactly the same size tire. That would mean I couldn't run the 325mm wide tires on the rear. The 4472 allows up to 1% slip between front and rear tire. 😉

[@clearraines49]

Those have a similar t-case or the same one depending on the years the t-10 series trucks share 90% of gear with the full size trucks lol! including the front diffs too! with the 1/2 ton c/k series

[@clearraines49]

i addition the awd reduces the torque loading by 50% or 75% per axle or wheel point ! think man think

[@ntgreat5]

How hard would this be on a 93 k5 blazer

[@tenbears1648]

What transfer case did you use? Everyone I have seen aren't all time AWD.

[@jacobwhitlatch7776]

Bw4472

[@DittoBlast]

How does the coil over drive? Any chance they could also work with a lift kit?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

No, they will not work with a lift due to ball joint angle. Ball joint angle on these is improved over stock for a lowered car. So lifting it would make the angles actually worse than stock.

[@waynebohannon3124]

Do you still have 4lo option? I wanna do the bravada axle shift swap to get rid of vacuum.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

No, the awd transfercase is a single speed. Not sure if keeping 4wd and going with the awd front axle is a good or bad option. There is a cable that you can buy from lmc truck that replaces the vacuum system.

[@jimmyhamm6041]

WHY NOT THE AWD ASTRO VAN ; THIS IS WHAT THEY USED IN THE SYCLONE.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

That's where the parts came from.

[@twistdginger0009]

Would you buy chance have a list of all main components needed to convert a vehicle to AWD?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Transfer case Front driveshaft(get with t-case if you can) Rear driveshaft(modify original if needed) Front diff extension housing and shaft Modified fuel lines.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Keep in mind this is for the s10 chassis using a BW4472 t-case. Other vehicles and t-case will require other potential parts.

[@twistdginger0009]

Michael Coffin take into consideration the vehicle I’m using never was a s10 nor at the moment a frame like. I’m just looking for best components. Like taking the driveline out of a typhoon just that not frame that’s all fab on my end. What’s the best parts? Typhoon Bravada Trailblazer SS Astro

[@traviscase8678]

What front suspension are you using? I bought a 5.3 awd swapped 99 4wd blazer and it handles like shit with just the torsion bars and shocks. It is lowered.

[@traviscase8678]

Wait, I'm searching Afco and such now. So that truck was 2wd?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Travis Case I used the RPM coilover kit. But don't waste your money on it. It had shit balljoint angles and caused major vibration. It's a copy cat kit. Use the JSM kit. I've orivinal creator. Has better shocks, better joint angles. He now has a rear kit. facebook.com/JSMFab/

[@traviscase8678]

Daddy can't swing the whole kit right now. Besides, the factory control arms have geometry that is working. I'm wanting a coilover in place of the existing shocks. There appears to be room for a spring. I can reinforce/ fabricate a lower shock mount easily enough. I'm just looking for the right size/ rate coilover.

[@carsongowdy4347]

Do you have a build thread anywhere online or recommend any? Just looking to do more reading and research on this conversion

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Carson Gowdy I don't. Just search awd swap on the s10 forum and you will find a lot of info.

[@carsongowdy4347]

Right on looks pretty straight forward and a fun project nice work!

[@AirSaleen]

Michael, sweet vid. I'm starting a fresh project with a 97 Bravada chassis/frame. Wanting to go with a 6.0 (2003 Caddy Escalade) transmission, transfer case and front diff all from the Caddy. Which front shafts do I use to keep the same width as the 2nd Gen Bravada? Thanks in advance brother

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Willie, do you know if the full size front diff and s-10 front diff are the same? I honestly don't know and haven't looked to see if they are. I'm assuming the escalade is the AWD version with the NP3 t-case rpo code option. NP149 I believe the t-case is for the AWD option. Are you asking about the front diff extension housing or the actual front axle shafts?

[@willsmith5323]

Michael Coffin they have the NP149 for sure. I don’t know if the Bravada and Escalade are the same or not. I’m out in Afghanistan at the moment, will be back home next month. I’m wondering about both the housing and actual axles. Just trying to get a head start on this thing for next month.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

@@willsmith5323 Honestly. I'd use the stock front and rear diff. Then if need be, update the rear to a ford explorer rear. What is your ultimate goal for the vehicle?

[@AirSaleen]

@@michaelcoffin4364 that sounds good man. I'm actually using the chassis and drivetrain for a street/on road set up. Nothing too fancy . Just the typical lowered suspension, AWD and 300-400HP.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

@@AirSaleen if you want it to handle well, contact jsmachineandfab.com. he makes the proper coilover kits. For the typhoon/syclone. Tell him what you have and he can get you hooked up. I was going to prototype a second gen kit for him but never got around to it, then wrecked my blazer.

[@jettywrat]

Any uodates? I have a turbo 5.3 awd s10 with a 4l80e and bw4472, cyclone front diff and axles

[@michaelcoffin4364]

No update. The frame was re-cracked through an old repair in the frame during the accident. So the frame got sent to the local tech school that deals with high school kids. That way they can learn on an actual frame. Before that, all they had was unibody cars. I still have the awd system. Keeping my eye out for another 2 door blazer or rcsb truck to build another.

[@jettywrat]

@@michaelcoffin4364 i feel you man ive been going on 4 years with my build now

[@michaelcoffin4364]

@@jettywrat there is a 2 door zr2 right around the corner that needs some major love but the zr2 suspension is different. I can't just bolt on a standard coil over system and expect it to work. I do however want those zr2 flares and front diff

[@chabad12]

I absolutely need to know rear wheel specs .. I am doing pro touring stance and that is exactly the size I need

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Norman Taylor 19x12+59

[@chabad12]

What about the tire size you used 325

[@michaelcoffin4364]

325/30-19

[@84cutlass403]

Any spacers?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

84cutlass403 I had a .75" on the rear but it's not necessary. It did rub the inner wheel well on the rear in a very hard turn at 50mph without it. The front got a 5mm spacer to prevent it from running rubbing the oversize sway bar. Keep in mind it had a gen 1 sway bar and gen 1 lower control arms with coilovers. It may not rub on stock second gen parts. I never tried them on the stock suspension.

[@MiguelRodriguez-ec3yl]

Did you ever finish the project?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

It was done and my daily driver for a couple years before this video. After the video was taken, the engine was refurbished. At which time I noticed the frame was cracked again through an old repair. I made the decision then to donate the bare chassis/body to the local tech center so they can teach kids frame repair with a body on frame vehicle. At the time they only had unibody vehicles. I still have the AWD setup and plan to use it in a future project.

[@MiguelRodriguez-ec3yl]

Im just in the middle of the same project, Im using an zr2 blazer. I inspected the chassis before going any further and there is no cracks and hope there is never one.

[@chev666jb1]

What transfer case did you put in it?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Borg warner 4472.

[@adamfanno4849]

this was a 4wd truck originally correct?

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

Adam Fanno Yes it was. The t-case you use can say alot about what you will go through

[@DracosDiabolis]

wonder if I could do a awd swap on my jeep....

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Yup. Just takes time and money. Would be pretty sweet.

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

Why do I feel AWDv8 post had a hand in you building this

[@michaelcoffin4364]

GHSTTHERENEGADE I've wanted to build one of these before I talked to him. Him and I talked about it years ago when he built his first. Only info I got from was him about the t case clocking and fuel lines. I had to do my own research about the suspension, wheels, tires, etc. The front driveshaft is another story. That was a lot of trial/error and cost.

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

Michael Coffin Yeah before I reached out to him I had to do the same. Did you beef up the motor? If so did you go with the 8.8 or 9in

[@michaelcoffin4364]

GHSTTHERENEGADE nope. Motor was stock. Had planned an ls swap before I wrecked it. It was the dd so i couldnt let it be down for the swap. And with the awd torque split. A stock to mild LS would have been fine the way i drove

[@GHSTTHERENEGADE]

@@michaelcoffin4364 11 months later I wonder would you do this build again? Also what transfer case would you use and how much power would you the into it?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

@@GHSTTHERENEGADE keep I mind. This truck was together for over a year before I made this video of its rebuild. But yes, i would do it over again in a heartbeat. In fact, I still have all the awd parts and I'm actively looking for another 2door blazer to make another.

[@Extibal]

What transfer case did you use from what year bravada?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Extibal Flores it's out of a astro van. The whole awd system is out and for sale is you are interested.

[@josephedwards1632]

Is this something that would work on the first gen S10?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Joseph Edwards Yes. In fact. I'm about to use all the parts from this one on my 83 extended cab.

[@bmfbbmfb]

bw4472 is what you want to use.

[@darrylcarter6880]

@@michaelcoffin4364 years down the line 😁 😁 that was a great project. im doing 1 its a 97 jimmy 4wd and im in the beginning stages of my project and was wondering, about that t case was there any wiring or computer? bw4472 or bw1372 there hard to find...smh i found a 99/05gmc safari and was wondering will the t case hold up to the 4472.

[@brucewerner8288]

Wetter= way+better😂

[@srt4thatazz]

Whats your contact info? Im interested in the parts your selling.

[@michaelcoffin4364]

srt4thatazz email me at [e-mail]

[@damienvaldez2437]

which transfer you use buddy 4472 ?

[@michaelcoffin4364]

Damien Valdez yup.

[@clearraines49]

Yes 4472!