AWD/4WD questions

[yates ™]

Ok so I am helping a buddy of mine find some bolt on air ride for the front of his Silverado SS. I have not looked at the suspensions of AWD vs. 4WD on NBS's. I know on NNBS the front suspension is the same but on NBS is there any differences? I ask because I can find serveral kits that say they will bolt on to say a Tahoe so wouldn't they work on an AWD Silverado SS? He is not looking to drive while lowered or lay frame just drop it some similar to mine. Thank you in advance for your vast knowledge and here is a hug for you

 

[Alex33]

I'd recommend talking to Trick28, he has airride on his AWD denali. I'm sure Max can provide some input too.

 

[yates ™]

Tricks is a little more than what he wants

 

[Alex33]

True, it is a bit involved. AFAIK, the only real difference is the spindle and axle (obviously, right?). I feel like a bolt-on kit for a 2wd truck might work with a few modifications.

 

[yates ™]

But would the half shaft locations or spindle be any different?

 

[Alex33]

I believe the spindle is different, but I don't know how. My assumption is that the opening would be larger to accomodate a hub that has an axle/halfshaft through it vs a hub w/o one. The locations of the primary parts are the same though.

 

[yates ™]

You may be on to something sir. I know on the NNBS's are the same but IDK on NBS's

 

[Alex33]

I'm very familiar with doing air on a coil sprung vehicle as those are pretty basic. For a 4wd torsion bar setup that is bolt-on, it's gets a little trickier. The bolt-on setup would be a strut bag to replace the shock, like the RideTech CoolRide setups for Tahoes. My initial thinking is that the location of the shock would determine whether this would work because his halfshaft could be in the way.

 

[yates ™]

I will try to find some pics of both. I do not have a NBS tahoe to look unfortunately

 

[Alex33]

I see you've got the NNBS. I wish I had access to a 4WD truck so I could really help out. I know what mine looks like underneath and it's a pretty basic setup and I imagine the 4WD/AWD version can't be much more complicated.