GMT800 AWD??

[p nut]

I was browsing the local classifieds and came across this 2003 Suburban. Seems like a regular LT trim. But the transfer case selector is one I haven’t seen before (see picture below).
I’m assuming this is an AWD trim. Which I didn’t know existed in a Suburban. I thought these were only available in the Denali trim.

Anybody familiar with this? Thanks.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Did the Tahoe GMT800 have an auto AWD with 4Lo?

 

[p nut]

Did the Tahoe GMT800 have an auto AWD with 4Lo?

That’s my question. This below is what most of them look like.

 

[p nut]

Well, this is helpful and freaky at the same time. I just happened to get this on my YouTube feed:

Chevrolet Suburban Camper #overlanding #4x4camper #suburbancamper

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

Per the narration and comments, it appears AWD + 4Lo was an option in some models.

 

[NoDak]

That’s neat so it works like the full time case in the V8 4Runners and Land Cruisers. Center lock with low range. Wonder if I could swap that into my GMT400 Tahoe.

 

[p nut]

That’s neat so it works like the full time case in the V8 4Runners and Land Cruisers. Center lock with low range. Wonder if I could swap that into my GMT400 Tahoe.

I’d probably make sure that there aren’t any inherent issues with this drivetrain first. I know the regular drivetrain is pretty robust.
Anyone know of any issues with this AWD system? Is parts availability for repairs going to be an issue?

 

[NoDak]

I’d probably make sure that there aren’t any inherent issues with this drivetrain first. I know the regular drivetrain is pretty robust.
Anyone know of any issues with this AWD system? Is parts availability for repairs going to be an issue?

I’m guessing it’s very similar to other full time cases. Its my understanding full time cases are generally very durable and simple.

I have to replace the Auto 4x4 case in my Tahoe soon as mine has the pump/rear case issue and is slowly killing itself.

Edit: never mind. The transfer case is the Borg Warner 4842. The big brother is the 4844 used in the hummer H2. They are both electronic controlled and very complicated unlike the Toyota torsion type I’m familiar with from my old 4th gen 4Runner.

 

[Natedog57]

I have a 2005 Suburban with this configuration, I believe it is the BW4484 transfer case.

It is a 2 speed case, meaning AWD with 4LO option. I believe it is rather unusual as most/all of the Escalade's/Denali's are just AWD (no 4LO option)???

I wouldn't have bought it over the usual Auto 4WD configuration, however I bought it used and everything else about the truck was what I wanted.

The front diff is setup like all the other GM AWD configurations (no disconnect like 4WD on the passenger tube), and is considered rather durable in stock form from what I have read. If a repair to the diff is needed any 4WD diff can be used, but the passenger side tube will need to be swapped over.

 

[XJLI]

I had no idea this option existed. Pretty cool!

A Different Differential: the BorgWarner 44-82 Transfer Case - Transmission Digest

Learn about the features, operation, and important precautions of the BW 44-82 transfer case used in GM full-size trucks.

www.transmissiondigest.com

Uses a planetary instead of clutches like the NP246 Autotrac does, so it's much more stout. Apparently these trucks got their own brake assist traction control as well??? Wow. My autotrac Silverado did not have that.