2wd vue to 4wd

[mlk3454]

I have a stupid question. How easy (having a mechanic, not me) is it to add 4x4 support in an automatic vue? I ask because I didn't get the AWD model after seeing all the issues here and it would be nice to just pull a lever or push a button and be able to get out of some or down a seasonal road after hunting all day. I have had to be pushed out twice this year after getting stuck in the mud.

[IMkenNY]

It can be done, its all mechanical so its just a case of bolting everything on. The rear hubs are all set to accept an axel shaft and the rear suspension is set up to accept the RDM.
It wouldnt be feasible to purchase new parts, you would have to find a doner vehicle in a scrap yard.

Parts needed:

Both rear axel shafts
Complete RDM
Driveshaft with carrier bearing
PTO with intermediate shaft
Might need a different front right axel shaft

[mlk3454]

Thanks for the quick reply. Would this then turn the vehicle into all wheel drive or would I have to manually change it to 4 wheel? Also, would these parts have to be from a 2006 Vue AWD or are there year and maker differences that I can look for?

[ssicarman]

You would need the transmission as well.

It would be an all wheel drive not a traditional four wheel drive truck.

[mlk3454]

Darn. I was hoping to rig up something to get at least a 4low. I only need it for roughly 4 weeks out of the year for hunting...

[Tom92SCm]

Get better tires. I imagine you took the factory Duellers off road and got stuck in the mud, right? I bet a set of better tires would have possibly prevented that. Even if you go through a couple sets of tires, it would still be cheaper than converting to AWD.

[mlk3454]

Yes I did have the factory tires on there. I was disappointed at how easily I got stuck. I have been hunting that area for years now and have only gotten stuck once before and that was with my old Sentra. Although the deer fit much easier in the Vue ;) . I would consider converting just for peace of mind this time of year. After the winter I want to get steel rims to use winter/mud tires with and that will be better than what I have now. Thanks for the help guys.

[VUE TO KILL]

Darn. I was hoping to rig up something to get at least a 4low. I only need it for roughly 4 weeks out of the year for hunting...

thought about getting a cheap Toyota truck for hunting? Or a jeep?

[mlk3454]

Thought about it but the wife isn't going for it. For now I guess I am stuck with better tires or tracking down my brother-in-law and borrowing his truck if need be.

[Ritz]

I have a stupid question. How easy (having a mechanic, not me) is it to add 4x4 support in an automatic vue? I ask because I didn't get the AWD model after seeing all the issues here and it would be nice to just pull a lever or push a button and be able to get out of some or down a seasonal road after hunting all day. I have had to be pushed out twice this year after getting stuck in the mud.

The FJ Cruiser impressed the hell out of me the other day on rather rugged washed out roads on my buddy's hunting property. If you can get past the somewhat goofy look, they're pretty darned cheap and do VERY well off road.

Cheers,

[mellissam]

The FJ Cruiser impressed the hell out of me the other day on rather rugged washed out roads on my buddy's hunting property. If you can get past the somewhat goofy look, they're pretty darned cheap and do VERY well off road.

Cheers,

I could never get over the goofy look....;)
A cartoon vehicle. I like a utilitarian look, but not a spartan throwback look....
btw - what's up with all these freaky looking vehicles nowadays?! The Honda Element, FJ, hmmm, I'm sure there are others......

Plus, they are darned expensive in Canada (30k to start)...actually, everything is more expensive here...subsidizing our health and welfare state....:hmm:

[Mr Joe Handyman]

I looked into the AWD conversion. it's cheaper to just pickup a junk ranger or something. cost was going to start out around 5g's. either trade it in, or spend the money on something designed to go mudding. there's a few near me for sale for less than 3g's.

[djb383]

If you only need it 4 weeks out of the year, wouldn't it be more practical to mount a winch to pull yourself out? A savy offroader will have one 'cause as they say....4WD just gets you stuck deeper in the woods.:yes: