Options to AWD/4WD a B-Body Wagon

6546 Views 95 Replies 11 Participants Last post by wagonmayne, 4 mo ago

GoremanX

Discussion Starter · May 24, 2022

This is totally serious. There's been musings about this on this forum in the past, and I remember reading about at least one frame swap that was done. I've got 3 (4?) B-body wagons in my driveway, most in reasonable shape. I'd love to convert one of them to AWD or 4WD to use as a winter warrior. So what would be viable options to achieve that goal?

Things I've considered:

- find an Astro/Safari AWD subframe and weld it in place of the front section of the B-body frame

- find a pickup/SUV frame with a similar wheelbase and re-body it

- buy a Dodge Magnum instead

The first option seems like it would retain a reasonable ride height, whereas the second one seems like it would require a significant lift. I would prefer to retain a stock-ish ride height with stock-sized wheels and tires, even if there's a change in wheel stud circle diameter involved.

The 3rd option is boring, but probably the most cost-effective.

Are there any other options I'm not thinking of?

Reactions: 1

1 - 14 of 96 Posts

shakenfake

· #4 · May 24, 2022

It would require some welding

and by some I mean a lot

shakenfake

· #6 · May 24, 2022

I know just makin a joke

shakenfake

· #11 · May 24, 2022

MMM TDI b-body wagonnnnnn

shakenfake

· #39 · 12 mo ago

Could always build a tubular frame will AWD provisions built in

shakenfake

· #51 · 4 mo ago

If you have to ask that question you aren't made out for this kinda job

Joking aside you will have to fab something. Cut the stock frame up and work it ground up.

Reactions: 1

shakenfake

· #55 · 4 mo ago

Let's be real an Arctic Master is way cooler than an Allroad

Reactions: 3

shakenfake

· #59 · 4 mo ago

Pics of Urus

shakenfake

· #61 · 4 mo ago

Ah gotcha

I thought you were just making an Urus joke

shakenfake

· #66 · 4 mo ago

The allroad weighs almost as much as a Roadmaster.

shakenfake

· #73 · 4 mo ago

Only Audi I ever worked on was a 2008 A4 that I had to replace a catalytic converter. Farmed out that job real effin quick.

shakenfake

· #75 · 4 mo ago

My sister has a 2011 A3 TDI. It has had every single emissions component replaced under warranty more than once. I am ready for her to sell the car to me so I can make it lose weight. I would love that car tuned.

shakenfake

· #78 · 4 mo ago

@Caddylack To replace that cat you have to drop the subframe iirc. There was something about it was that so infuriating for such a small part with the whole reason being there is a strap to the transmission from the cat that you can't get a wrench on and you can't cut it (I think you are supposed to cut it or something) Anyway retarded.

Also when I said lose weight that is EPA code for diesel delete.

shakenfake

· #81 · 4 mo ago

If you had a manual trans apparently the job was easy though. Too bad it was not.

shakenfake

· #87 · 4 mo ago

The belt tensioner on the A3 was also an impossible task, well not one I wanted to do at least, I can't remember exactly what it was but the way that the tensioner is in the block I have no idea how to remove it. Should have been easy, it was not.

1 - 14 of 96 Posts