4wd to 2wd

[03Tah0eZ71]

So I’m basically trying to make my Tahoe a 2wd for an easy lift, what would I have to do to make it where I can run a spindle lift on a 03 4wd Tahoe. As far I know just have to take out cv’s out and run 2wd hubs. Any info Is appreciated.

 

[89Suburban]

Sub'd. Always wondered about this and if removing the front drive line throws up codes. You can make stub shafts out of the CV's to hold the front bearings together. Lot's of different opinions here over the years on the differences between the 2WD and 4WD hub assemblies. Some say they are the same and no need for the stub shafts to hold the bearings from coming apart, others swear it does.

 

[03Tah0eZ71]

Sub'd. Always wondered about this and if removing the front drive line throws up codes. You can make stub shafts out of the CV's to hold the front bearings together. Lot's of different opinions here over the years on the differences between the 2WD and 4WD hub assemblies. Some say they are the same and no need for the stub shafts to hold the bearings from coming apart, others swear it does.

Yeah I was wondering the same thing, I’m sure it would throw a service 4wd code But I should able to clear it. But from what I have seen running 2wd hubs bypasses that whole bearing problem.
also seen where someone did the whole front diff/cv delete and keep the 4wd hubs and the needless to say it did not last long.

 

[Fless]

I would think it would throw a code for the transfer case speed sensor for the front propshaft, since the diff won't turn the propshaft without the CV axles in place. Not sure if that would be all the time or only if it's switched to AUTO.

 

[89Suburban]

also seen where someone did the whole front diff/cv delete and keep the 4wd hubs and the needless to say it did not last long.

Can you share the info or link about this?

 

[03Tah0eZ71]

Can you share the info or link about this?

It’s a YouTube video, it’s called “how I turned my 4wd truck to 2wd ( lifted 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 3 inch lift kit)” but he talks about it in the comments how he never switched to 2wd hubs and they snapped within 2 weeks because of that.

 

[89Suburban]

It’s a YouTube video, it’s called “how I turned my 4wd truck to 2wd ( lifted 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 3 inch lift kit)” but he talks about it in the comments how he never switched to 2wd hubs and they snapped within 2 weeks because of that.

This one?

 

[03Tah0eZ71]

This one?

Yep

 

[swathdiver]

You can take apart the CV shaft leaving the spindle end in the hub with no problems.

 

[Alex_M]

You can take apart the CV shaft leaving the spindle end in the hub with no problems.

I just recently ran mine this way for a couple weeks after blowing a CV. I would consider if the stub shaft would interfere with anything when using a lift spindle, however. If it would you will have to switch to 2wd hubs anyway.

You don't have to be worried about a tcase speed code because the front driveshaft is not spinning even when the CVs are in place. There is a disconnect in the front differential.

All that said, how much lift are you shooting for? I would not be eager to lose my 4wd if I had it... especially for appearance no less.

 

[Sparksalot]

Why bother with the stub shafts. All 2wd PPVs have 4wd hubs.

 

[89Suburban]

Why bother with the stub shafts. All 2wd PPVs have 4wd hubs.

View attachment 388917

I was waiting for this

 

[03Tah0eZ71]

I just recently ran mine this way for a couple weeks after blowing a CV. I would consider if the stub shaft would interfere with anything when using a lift spindle, however. If it would you will have to switch to 2wd hubs anyway.

You don't have to be worried about a tcase speed code because the front driveshaft is not spinning even when the CVs are in place. There is a disconnect in the front differential.

All that said, how much lift are you shooting for? I would not be eager to lose my 4wd if I had it... especially for appearance no less.

I’m running ford keys right now so I got around 3 inches of lift already so hoping if I stack that with the spindle lift and if I cut my bump stop off I got get 7-8+ inches.

 

[Alex_M]

If you cut out the droop stop you are going to start popping ball joints left and right. If you're going that tall you need aftermarket control arms anyway, and longer shocks. Once you buy all that, plus 2wd hubs, plus $150 for lift spindles, you might as well had gone on with a proper 4wd lift.... or solid axle swap at that height.

 

[Alex_M]

Why bother with the stub shafts. All 2wd PPVs have 4wd hubs.

View attachment 388917

We have almost no 2wd trucks or suvs in my area, never knew that. Very interesting info. Thanks!

 

[89Suburban]

I’m running ford keys right now so I got around 3 inches of lift already so hoping if I stack that with the spindle lift and if I cut my bump stop off I got get 7-8+ inches.

Did you ever make this swap yet? I did a test run, unplugging the diff actuator throws the 4wd Service on. I believe if you remove the front diff, there is plenty of slack in the harness to run it up into the engine compartment. Tie it off somewhere in there with the actuator plugged into it. Maybe stick the actuator in a plastic bottle and tape it shut.

I'm talking the mechanical type actuator, not the older ones that need to heat up. Or I am sure there could be a way to "fool the computer" using some kind of electrical wizardry at the plug after studying some schematics.

 

[Alex_M]

Sub'd. Always wondered about this and if removing the front drive line throws up codes. You can make stub shafts out of the CV's to hold the front bearings together. Lot's of different opinions here over the years on the differences between the 2WD and 4WD hub assemblies. Some say they are the same and no need for the stub shafts to hold the bearings from coming apart, others swear it does.

Over the summer I did this on an off roading trip after breaking a CV on my Land Rover. I wheeled the rest of the day anyway and the hub did end up separating enough you could see a very noticable lean to the tire when I pulled it on the trailer. When I replaced the hub it has separated more than half an inch, being held in by the brakes essentially.

It may vary some vehicle to vehicle, but I wouldn't be eager to run without stub shafts on 4wd hubs after that experience.