All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer?
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All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 1:12:56 PM
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madbomb20
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Hi, new to the forum here.. I have a 1996 Blazer T10 LT and it supposedly has 4WD, but has no switch at all to engage/disengage this feature. It supposedly senses when the tires are slipping and auto-engages 4WD... which sucks because I never know if its in 4WD or not. First question...
1. Does anyone know of a way to install a switch and/or indicators to turn on 4WD, what I would need to modify it and what the parts would cost? (ballpark figure)
2. When braking and slipping on snow/ice, I felt a clunking in my brake pedal and lost control of wheel, is this the front hubs not engaging? Was it caused by the auto-4wd feature?
Thanks in advance for any responses, I am clueless when it comes to car trouble. Especially when you throw in a transfer case and locking hubs. :)
Jon
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 1:46:22 PM
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Jigg
Posts: 494
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The auto 4wd feature on these trucks is controlled by a switch. Only the bravadas had the smarttrack AWD (maybe the envoys too). Either way the Blazers didn't come with AWD, so either you have a 2wd truck, or a floor shifted 4x4, otherwise you should have a push button switch.
The clunking you felt was your ABS engaging.
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 1:56:50 PM
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4lowlife
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I have a "AWD" feature on the LT. 4 button selectable....
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 2:04:25 PM
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madbomb20
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I looked in the manual, and its not "All-time" 4wd, its considered "All-Wheel" Drive, and from what I can tell if I wanted to convert to part-time I would need a new transfer case and various other components. Is this correct?
I have no buttons for shifting 4wd's... just a blank spacer where the buttons should be :(
The clunking in my ABS is normal? I'm glad there weren't any cars nearby, I completely lost control.. it was more of a clunk-grind feeling. I had my brake power booster replaced last year, so I'm wondering if they did something wrong.
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 2:17:00 PM
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Jigg
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 4lowlife
I have a "AWD" feature on the LT. 4 button selectable....
The blazers have the autotrac transfer case, which isn't really AWD, per se.
Madbomb, the clunking is normal, some people hate ABS brakes and disable the feature. I'm very interested to see a picture of your truck, post one up if you have one, as i have a feeling it's 2wd. I've never heard of a blazer with AWD (that doesn't have the 4 button shift).
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 2:25:59 PM
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madbomb20
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I will post a pic later.
From what I have read All-Wheel drive is simply a glorified 2wd system. I have felt it kick into low 4wd before. It feels like the engine is braking when its engaged, I thought my brakes were stuck the first time it did it. I am just wondering if the axle is having trouble locking or something, as to why I am getting that brake feeling. This is the first decent snow in Ohio this year, and losing control of the vehicle when hitting my brake kinda worries me, it feels so unnatural. It may have the Autotrac transfer case, which I am starting to dislike....
What is involved to update this blazer to full 4wd? Obviously a new transfer case, but what other parts are required? Any idea?
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 2:32:40 PM
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swartlkk
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We have seen two instances of AWD Blazers. To be more specific, one Jimmy and one Blazer. It is possible that these were custom orders.
I'll try to get a list of RPO codes for you to check for on your RPO code list in your glove box.
*EDIT* - Take a look at this thread, Regular Production Option (RPO) Codes, to decode your RPO list.
Let us know what you find.
Also, to change over to a two speed transfer case is probably going to be more trouble than its worth. The electronics alone are going to make things quite difficult. On the mechanical side, you would need a different transfer case, maybe even a different front differential. I don't think the AWD IFS axle has the provision to disengage the front axle like all of the 2 speed selectable 4wd vehicles do.
And yeah, I'll agree with everyone else, the ABS kicking in is most likely the 'loss of control' you experienced. Sometimes it is a good thing, and sometimes it isn't. It all depends on the person. For most people I know it is a very good thing because all they know is to stomp on the pedal to stop, sliding or not. They have no concept of threshold braking.
< Message edited by swartlkk -- 12/5/2006 2:49:17 PM >
_____________________________
Kyle-
2004 Rainier
1970 Chevelle - Resto
1974 K5 Blazer - Resto
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:04:25 PM
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madbomb20
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The NP3 Code says AWD, does that rule out autotrac?
AG1 ADJUSTER FRT ST , "POWER, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL, DRIVER"
AJ1 WINDOW TINTED , "DEEP, ALL EXCEPT W/S AND DRS"
AN3 SEAT , "FRT, INDIVIDUAL (NON BKT)"
AP9 NET , CONVENIENCE
AU0 "LOCK CONTROL, ENTRY" , REMOTE ENTRY
AU3 LOCK CONTROL , "SIDE DR, ELEC"
AXP VIN IDENT , "POSITION, MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE"
A31 WINDOW , "POWER OPERATED, ALL DOORS"
A78 ADJUSTER FRT ST BK , "MANUAL, DRIVER & PASS, RECLINING"
B30 COVERING FLOOR , CARPET
B84 MOLDING B/S , EXTERIOR
C25 WIPER SYSTEM , "RR WINDOW, INTERMITTENT"
C3H GVW RATING , "5,300 LBS"
C60 HVAC SYSTEM , "AIR CONDITIONER FRT, MAN CONTROLS"
DAY PLANT CODE , "MORAINE, OH, USA"
DH2 MIRROR I/S FRT VAN , "LH & RH, ILLUM, WITH DUAL SUNSHADE"
DK6 CONSOLE ROOF , INTERIOR
D48 MIRROR O/S , "LH & RH, REMOTE CONTROL, ELECTRIC, COLOR."
D55 CONSOLE , "FRT COMPT, FLOOR"
D96 STRIPE , BODY SIDE UPPER
E55 BODY EQUIPMENT , END GATE
FE9 CERTIFICATION , "EMISSION, FEDERAL"
FF6 ARM LH , TORS BAR SPRING ADJ (E)
FF7 ARM RH , TORS BAR SPRING ADJ (F)
F46 CHASSIS , ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
GU6 AXLE REAR , 3.42 RATIO
G80 AXLE POSITRACTION , LIMITED SLIP
JM3 BOOSTER , "BRAKE, 240MM TANDEM, HIGH FLOW"
K34 CRUISE CONTROL , "AUTOMATIC, ELECTRONIC"
L35 ENGINE , "GAS, 6 CYL, 4.3L, CPI, V6, 90 DEG, HO"
M30 TRANSMISSION , "AUTO 4 SPD, HMD, 4L60-E, ELECTRONIC"
NF2 EMISSION SYSTEM , "FEDERAL, TIER 1"
NG5 REGISTRATION , "EMISSION, CERTIFICATION, FIFTY STATE (50)"
NP3 TRANSFER CASE , ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
NP5 STEERING WHEEL , LEATHER WRAPPED
N33 STEERING COLUMN , TILT TYPE
N40 STEERING , "POWER,"
N90 WHEEL , 15
QBG TIRE ALL , P235/70R15-102S WOL R/PE ST TL ALS
RSB Unknown RPO Code
RYJ SHADE , "CARGO AREA, RETRACTABLE"
SLM SALES PROCESSING , STOCK ORDERS
T61 LAMP SYSTEM , DAYTIME RUNNING
UP8 RADIO , "PROVISIONS, AM/FM STEREO, INSTRUMENTATION"
UX1 RADIO , "AM STEREO/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN, AUTO REV"
UY7 WIRING HARNESS , "TRUCK TRAILER, HD"
U16 TACHOMETER , ENGINE
U73 ANTENNA , "FIXED, RADIO"
VR4 TRAILER HITCH , WEIGHT DISTRIBUTING PLATFORM
VX5 FLEET PROGRAM , CASH ALLOWANCE
V54 LUGGAGE CARRIER , "ROOF, PAINTED"
V73 VEHICLE STATEMENT , USA/CANADA
XBG TIRE FRONT , P235/70R15-102S WOL R/PE ST TL ALS
X88 MARKET BRAND , CHEVROLET
YBG TIRE REAR , P235/70R15-102S WOL R/PE ST TL ALS
YC6 CONVENIENCE PKG , DECOR LEVEL #6
YD3 AXLE , (BASE EQUIP) FOR SCHEDULING GVW PLATE
YD5 SPRING FRONT , BASE EQUIPMENT
YD6 SPRING , "RR, BASE EQUIPMENT"
ZBG TIRE SPARE , P235/70R15-102S WOL R/PE ST TL ALS
ZM8 SALES PACKAGE , COMBINATION - ELECTRIC TAILGATE RELEASE/RR
ZQ3 SALES PACKAGE , DRIVER CONVENIENCE II
ZQ6 SALES PACKAGE , DRIVER CONVENIENCE III
ZW7 CHASSIS PACKAGE , PREMIUM SMOOTH RIDE
ZY1 COLOR COMBINATION , SOLID
Z82 TRAILER PROVISIONS , "SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, H.D."
1SE PACKAGE , OPTION 05
1SZ DISCOUNT , OPTION PACKAGE
12A STRIPE COLOR , "ACCENT, SILVER MET (91)"
12A STRIPE COLOR , "ACCENT, LT STELLAR BLUE (97)"
12I INTERIOR TRIM , GRAPHITE (96)
12I INTERIOR TRIM , GRAPHITE II (99)
12I INTERIOR TRIM , EBONY (99) HOLDENS
122 TRIM COMBINATION , "LEATHER, GRAPHITE (2) (96)"
43U PRIMARY COLOR , "EXTERIOR, MAJESTIC TEAL MET (02)"
43U PRIMARY COLOR , "EXTERIOR, KIWI MET, M2 (02) (OPEL)"
43U PRIMARY COLOR , "EXTERIOR, LAUREL GREEN (02) (HOLDENS)"
43U PRIMARY COLOR , "EXTERIOR, YELLOW (02)"
6WH COMPONENT FRT LH , COMPUTER SEL SUSP (6WH)
7WH COMPONENT FRT RH , COMPUTER SEL SUSP (7WH)
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:09:11 PM
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Jigg
Posts: 494
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Wow, i stand corrected. That's the first time i've seen a blazer with actual AWD.
You seem to have a very nice blazer, you even have the G80 locker. Nice.
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:13:42 PM
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madbomb20
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What good is the G80 locker?
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:25:43 PM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14472
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From: Waterloo, NY
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G80 is the GM Gov-Loc locking rear differential. Not very strong, but good enough for stock... If you break it, don't put another just like it back in... Just doesn't make a lot of sense.
Yeah the NP3 is a fulltime awd. It won't shift power to the axle that has more traction like an NP4 equipped vehicle will. The NP4 is an active awd transfer case. So basically you have a fulltime awd vehicle. I don't think you should ever feel it activate.
*EDIT* - If I'm reading things right, the NP3 is the NVG 149 transfer case is more heavy duty than the NP4 NVG 126 case in terms of torque holding capacity.
Here's the NVG website - New Venture Gear - Transfer Cases
< Message edited by swartlkk -- 12/5/2006 3:37:25 PM >
_____________________________
Kyle-
2004 Rainier
1970 Chevelle - Resto
1974 K5 Blazer - Resto
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:40:59 PM
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madbomb20
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That's why I worry about the grinding when i was sliding on the road earlier today.. something didnt feel right. Is there any way to test functionality of this or do I have to take it to a shop for the best results?
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 3:48:43 PM
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swartlkk
Posts: 14472
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Check proper operation of what? The brakes? The rear diff? The AWD system?
If your foot was on the brakes and you were sliding, the grinding is the normal operation of the ABS. It actually wasn't grinding, but the ABS pump cycling the brakes at a very rapid rate (rolling friction is higher than sliding friction - the entire fundamental truth behind ABS systems). From the perspective of your foot on the pedal, it may feel like a grinding. But it really is a reverse pulsation in the pedal caused by the ABS pump doing its job. Some systems are not as intrusive as others and in most you don't feel it in the pedal, but you will still hear it.
As far as the rear diff, yeah, you can check it, just jack up the rear end and try to turn one wheel with the transmission in park. It should turn a bit then get difficult. If you are able to spin it and have the tire on the other side of the truck spin in the opposite direction with relative ease, then the diff isn't working properly.
And the only way I know to test any 4wd/AWD is to find some MUD or snow! If you wanted to be more technical about it, I suppose you could put the truck up on jack stands, transmission in neutral, and turn both of the rear wheels. If the front wheels turn, then yeah, your AWD is working as normal. This wouldn't work for an NP4 equipped vehicle due to the electronics involved.
< Message edited by swartlkk -- 12/5/2006 3:53:05 PM >
_____________________________
Kyle-
2004 Rainier
1970 Chevelle - Resto
1974 K5 Blazer - Resto
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 4:15:02 PM
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madbomb20
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I understand the ABS system, but it seemed I lost power steering while this was occurring, almost felt like a stall while the brake grinding was going on... Not ideal for snow, like a 4wd vehicle is supposed to be :)
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 5:08:22 PM
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Rammer
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If it's the same transfer case the Bravada's use, then it's a Borg-Warner 4472. It splits the torque 65% rear to 35% front and will send more torque to front as needed.
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1997 Olds Bravada
2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 CrewCab Z71
2003 Toyota Matrix XR AWD
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/5/2006 7:47:18 PM
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x56sb
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usly when u slide it seems like u dont have power steering because u cant turn ha
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/6/2006 12:54:09 AM
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madbomb20
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funny... but no i have an iq higher than 12 thanks :)
It turned after i let off the brake
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/6/2006 1:47:32 AM
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4lowlife
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quote:
1. Does anyone know of a way to install a switch and/or indicators to turn on 4WD, what I would need to modify it and what the parts would cost? (ballpark figure)
you can cable activate it instead of using the vaccum system.
quote:
2. When braking and slipping on snow/ice, I felt a clunking in my brake pedal and lost control of wheel, is this the front hubs not engaging? Was it caused by the auto-4wd feature?
Not sure if I understand the statement. Did it feel like ABS took control? Like vibrated the brake pedal? that is normal when you are on slippery surfaces when braking. Or did it "crow hop?"
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RE: All-Time 4WD on 1996 Blazer? - 12/6/2006 8:26:14 PM
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madbomb20
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Cable activating sounds cool, wonder how that is implemented..
I guess it was normal ABS operation, but it felt like it was straining the system way too hard, and could have possibly caused a major accident because I was only going about 10mph due to the condition of the road and it nearly pushed me off to the left of the road. I did not have control of the steering wheel at that point, control of the steering came back after i was through braking. I had the brake power booster replaced last year, and I'm wondering if they possibly put the wrong model in causing this strangeness....
My biggest beef with the AWD setup is not knowing what mode of operation it is in. I would at least like to wire an indicator light that informs me of when its in 4WD low or high... The ideal situation would be manual control of the 4WD modes, but if that is too expensive or difficult to do, how would I get at least the indicator light? I shouldn't be afraid to drive this thing on an icy road, that's what they're made for after all. ABS doesn't seem to be a good solution, but 4wd low allows more control on the icy surfaces. But I have no control when this thing decides to kick on 4wd, anyone have any good resources for how this operates?
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