I converted my Lightning from AWD to a 4x4

[All-Terrain]

Did you change the drive functionality at all with respect to AWD/4WD? With no center differential I don't see how this could be AWD, since there would be no mechanical binding. But not sure how it manages torque front to back. But with a rear diff lock you'd have a pretty functional 4WD setup.

It looks like you modified the suspension and tires but ditn't chanve the drive train.

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[HI Zeus]

Correct, the title was, as I admitted in my first reply, "click bait."

It just FEELS and looks a lot more like a 4x4 truck now. With the bigger tires, winch, lifted and stiffer suspension it is a much more capable 4x4 truck, but no driveline changes. With the two separate electric motors each "axle" is already independent from the other (never any binding issues, like at times with a transfer case).

I have never been clear what, if any, technical/industry defined difference there is between an AWD and a 4x4. Its always seemed to be marketing to me. So in addition to "click bait" I was making fun of the fact that these terms are, in my opinion like the difference between having 6 of something or half a dozen of them.

; )

 

[All-Terrain]

Correct, the title was, as I admitted in my first reply, "click bait."

It just FEELS and looks a lot more like a 4x4 truck now. With the bigger tires, winch, lifted and stiffer suspension it is a much more capable 4x4 truck, but no driveline changes. With the two separate electric motors each "axle" is already independent from the other (never any binding issues, like at times with a transfer case).

I have never been clear what, if any, technical/industry defined difference there is between an AWD and a 4x4. Its always seemed to be marketing to me. So in addition to "click bait" I was making fun of the fact that these terms are, in my opinion like the difference between having 6 of something or half a dozen of them.

; )

Gotcha.

AWD has a differential in the transferase or some other way to proportion torque front to rear to prevent binding. It usually leads to having "1-wheel-drive" in the worst case.

4WD has no center diff with mechanical 50/50 torque split front to rear. This leads to "2-wheel-drive" in the worst case.

Seems like electric is a third thing. 4WD with no binding.

Your truck looks cool!

 

[HI Zeus]

I'll give an update on my setup:

I definitely need to add UCA (still on to-do-list), should have done it up at the same time. (It drives fine etc., but just a visual inspection makes it obvious that they are going to wear out very prematurely at the current angle.)

I really pushed the tire size knowing I'd have to trim the bumper some. I'm driving it as it was in the original post, but need to trim another 1/4 to 1/2 inch for the more extreme turn/compression times. If I'd done the same height tire, but narrower option I think I would not have had to trim, or at least no more than where it is at currently.

I LOVE the Eibach shocks. I'm also very happy with the wheel spacers (those were the thing I most hesitated on). I re-tightened them at about 500 miles and have had zero concerns since then.

Also the puck and longer shocks up front seems to be a flawless combination so far.

So far the winch is non-functional because I've been going back and forth on inverter vs extra 12 volt battery, and also if I want the power-unit in the frunk for staorage and during use, or as part of the removeable winch when using it. This way it can be used in the front or rear without running long cables to the rear. (and for that matter I could use it on my tractor or Bobcat)

Like most things in my life its "not quite done yet" because I've been very happy with it in the "interim."

I've put thousands of miles on it since the mods (roughly 3000-5000), almost all on-road unfortunately.

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