FWD transmission in an AWD car?

airstar1199 · Post by **airstar1199** » 23 Apr 2011, 08:00

My '99 XC had the rear drive shaft removed when I bought it... which is fine with me. I need to replace the tranny now and FWD transmissions are $2-300 cheaper than the AWD. If I don't care about the rear wheels driving, anyone know if these transmissions are interchangeable?

Post by **jimmy57** » 23 Apr 2011, 08:28

The casing has the bosses for the bolt holes for the rear left mount but they are usually not tapped on the FWD cases.
The AWD RH axle may not have the right OD for the RH final drive seal on an FWD case.

Post by **renns** » 23 Apr 2011, 11:02

I can't say for certain, but I suspect a FWD CV shaft will be needed for the right-hand side. The other issue is engine mounting. I know there are differences, in that the FWD steering rack includes provision for the mount, while the AWD steering rack does not. There are further details including some pics of the differences here:

http://v70r.com/forums/topic/13674-r-aw ... ge__st__20

Post by **JRL** » 23 Apr 2011, 11:25

I agree
You will need a different right axle which will nullify your 2-$300 savings!

airstar1199 · Post by **airstar1199** » 23 Apr 2011, 19:30

Thanks for the info. Actually, I just changed the left axle 2 weeks ago. Found a right one for <$100 (maybe change it while it's out anyway). Still not sure which way I'll go, but this helps...

So, if I understand right, it's a matter of tapping the mount hole (drilling too?) and swapping out the RHS axle?

Also, good write up on the R swap. I would LOOOVE to go manual, but I'm sure it's a huge PITA.