KingBird wrote:...the disconnect is a piss-poor design, ... but it just seems like more shit to break.
Yah, we know. But sometimes it's easier to ALLOW a weak part to remain in the vehicle as a mechanical fuse. I could have installed much beefier and straight (not curved) tie rod ends. I break an OEM curved one every year. But I can change one on the trail in under 15 minutes without removing the tire. If the straight one sent more stress through to the steering rack and it lost a seal or broke, I'd be in a MUCH bigger hurt on the trail. A broken disconnect might save the front diff.
I think that if I could switch to a two-speed transfer case and switched 4wd like your TBs, I'd be happy.
The 2 speed case was on my list of requirements when I got the Envoy inthe first place. I had just come from an AWD GMC Safari van, and even on flat sand, the viscous TC was annoying. Needed true front-to-back locking as well as the Lo range. How did you end up not seeking our a TB or Envoy?