4x4 Disconnect Busted... Now What???

[mason10198]

Alright guys... I lost my 4x4 yesterday to the fracking aluminum shift fork in the disconnect. Bearings in it got destroyed on the way home from the internal shrapnel, so if I hit 30+ MPH the CV started flopping around so bad I thought I was gonna crack the oilpan. I've got it taken apart in the garage right now, but I NEED it back as soon as possible.

My question is, what is the best thing to do now? I've seen where people have replaced the fork/bearings/seals in the disconnect and slap it back on, or buy an entire "improved" version of the disconnect off of amazon/ebay, or totally forgo the fork and use the AWD sleeve/weld the gears together.

I don't want to keep going through this PITA bearing-hungry disconnect rebiuld... I like the idea of leaving the fork out completely, but then my 4x4 isn't selectable... right? What EXACTLY would be the result of me using the AWD sleeve? Wouldn't that make it permanently 4x4, not safe to drive it on roads? This IS my DD, so permanent 4x4 is not an option...

[Moots1288]

It does not permanently put you in 4x4, I would go with the awd sleeve.

[DirtyBacon04]

Awd sleeve. No question.
Your 4x4 is still selectable. All this does is lock your right side CV to your I shaft. The selectability is in your xfer case, not disco.

[mason10198]

Okay, awesome. Thanks! I'll start looking. Is there a best place to get one?

Found it's GM part #12471636

[mason10198]

Wait... Can't I just buy an AWD disconnect and bolt it on?

[jdmser]

You'll get a service 4x4 light

[DirtyBacon04]

Not necessarily. If you leave the actuator plugged it, and just zip tie it up out of the way, the light won't come on. Or you could do like me and just believe with everything you are that some day... some day that friggin light will burn out

[mason10198]

I think I'm about to buy the "improved" AWD unit from US powertrain on eBay. I don't want to get stranded again because of another shift fork shearing.

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[mason10198]

So if I DO use this AWD disconnect, the front wheels WON'T still be locked together in 2wd mode, and it WON'T hop when turning, correct?

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[v7guy]

No, the wheels won't be locked together, because you have this nifty thing called a differential that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds

[mason10198]

I know that... Was just making absolutely sure because I don't feel like spending 200+ bucks on something that won't work for me.

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[DirtyBacon04]

US Powertrain makes a great product. You won't be disappointed

[mason10198]

US Powertrain makes a great product. You won't be disappointed

Thanks Bacon. I'm gonna order one when I get home tonight.

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[v7guy]

I know that... Was just making absolutely sure because I don't feel like spending 200+ bucks on something that won't work for me.

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Well, if you knew it already, it was an awfully silly question, hence the silly response. LOL

Like bacon said a fair number of people seem to be happy with the uspowertrain piece, I believe there's a thread about it on here somewhere.

[DirtyBacon04]

I've got it in the Baconmobile

[v7guy]

I wanna say Kyle is running one too, but I could be mistaken... It happens frequently enough lol

[Trail X]

Mason, dude, you gotta turn down the dramatics a bit!

[Jrgunn5150]

I also have the US Powertrain unit, it has been working fine for about 8 month's now, and actually has the AWD part's inside.

[TBYODA]

Mason be like me and red neck it! Cheap AWD Sleeve conversion

[mason10198]

Mason, dude, you gotta turn down the dramatics a bit!

I know, I know, sorry. I was totally freaking out because I had just busted up my DD trying to play a bit rough (not smart, I know) and I was so busy rushing to get something fixed ASAP I didn't even stop for a sec to think before typing lol

Mason be like me and red neck it! Cheap AWD Sleeve conversion

I actually was thinking about doing that, but I was going to have to redo all the seals and bearings anyway, and a couple of my gears have visible dings in them now, not to mention the casing, so I went ahead and spend the extra $$ and just got the brand new AWD assy from US powertrain. Should be here on wednesday.