5 Speed AWD to FWD: Weld Plenetary's or VCU?

[Ezskanken]

I've read it both ways, but most of the threads were older threads. I've also read never to weld a good working VCU due to its lack of availability. Just looking for updated info if possible.

Also for this to work I'll need the passenger axle from 5 speed AWD TT, transmission mount from same TT, transmission plate spacer from same TT, center input shaft, and new TT clutch kit is that right?

Thank you!

[Alan92RTTT]

Weld a bad VCU.

I should have grabbed some of the bad ones that were at XPA when he closed.

[Ezskanken]

Weld a bad VCU.

I should have grabbed some of the bad ones that were at XPA when he closed.

Okay I'll look for a bad VCU if they are out there, and sell this one since I have absolutely no intention on going AWD. Thank you for the reply. Have a good day and weekend everyone!

[anyonebutme]

you can also weld a bad planetary but it takes more skill to do it when the planetaries are wiggly.

[Uniuno]

Welding the VCU is pointless. All you have to do is weld the planetary gearset. I have a 110 welder so I just took 3 passes on each of the planet gears on the outside. I wish I could find a picture of when I did it, but that's all you need to do. Then when you go back to AWD your VCU is still usable. Gearsets are cheaper than VCUs.


This one isn't mine, but the results are the same.

[Ezskanken]

That's perfect! I gonna save those pictures. Thank you.

[Ezskanken]

Welding the VCU is pointless. All you have to do is weld the planetary gearset. I have a 110 welder so I just took 3 passes on each of the planet gears on the outside. I wish I could find a picture of when I did it, but that's all you need to do. Then when you go back to AWD your VCU is still usable. Gearsets are cheaper than VCUs.


This one isn't mine, but the results are the same.

Uniuno is that the inner and outer pinion that are welded?

[Dougal]

I've done this mod and only welded the planetary gearset. The inner pinion was welded as per the photo that was posted earlier in this thread.
Basically doing so locks the gearset in place.

If your pulling the trans apart yourself then give yourself plenty of room to lay all the parts, bolts etc... out in order of removal.

Ensure you get the blocking plate from 3sx.
The shaft that goes to the transfer case gets the end cut off it (the blocking plate then covers the hole that the shaft use to protrude out off).
You will have a large section where the transfer case used to go. I covered mine with sheet metal cut out to shape.

Happy to dig out photos of mine if you need. Pretty sure I've still got photos.

[Ezskanken]

I've done this mod and only welded the planetary gearset. The inner pinion was welded as per the photo that was posted earlier in this thread.
Basically doing so locks the gearset in place.

If your pulling the trans apart yourself then give yourself plenty of room to lay all the parts, bolts etc... out in order of removal.

Ensure you get the blocking plate from 3sx.
The shaft that goes to the transfer case gets the end cut off it (the blocking plate then covers the hole that the shaft use to protrude out off).
You will have a large section where the transfer case used to go. I covered mine with sheet metal cut out to shape.

Happy to dig out photos of mine if you need. Pretty sure I've still got photos.

Thank you! Photos would be great actually. Showing my buddy a picture rather then explaining it to him will be much more effecient lol!