Swapping the rearend for a FWD to a AWD car

[dvs_dsm]

Does anyone know if you can and if so how easy it would be to swap a FWD rearend over to an AWD? As some of you have read I have wrecked my GSX, well my rearend hasn't been hooked up for a while due to the JDM tranny. Since I can't find the full rearend parts locally for my GSX, I was wondering about swapping everything from a GS or GST model over. Does anyone have any clue if it can be done, and if so, how hard it would be. Thanks.
-Jon

[Kibo]

I'm not going to say it can't be done, but the FWD and AWD rear suspensions are quite a bit different. With all the hassle of converting your transmission to FWD (welded rear diff, etc.) plus the high probability that the rear end conversion is not a direct swap...well, my personal opinion is that it wouldn't be worthwhile.

Are you sure that simply replacing the rear suspension pieces will result in a drivable car? I know there are individuals on this list with complete rear end assemblies (subframe, diff, control arms, axles, shocks, hubs, etc.) they would probably be willing to sell you if that's the case.

Have you considered buying a car with a good chassis?

[dvs_dsm]

As of right now, I believe my tranny has about 10,000 miles on it, all of which, have been Just FWD. From what I can tell, all I may need is a new A-Arm, a lug and lug nut, to get it up and running.

[Kibo]

Do you have a welded diff? Are the transfer case and driveshaft removed? Running an AWD tranny in FWD mode without at least a locked center diff (welded or spool) is a big no-no, for the same reason that you shouldn't tow an AWD with only two wheels rotating: you'll lock up and overheat/fry the viscous coupler.

The rear suspension on a DSM does not have an A-arm. There is a trailing arm (big beefy one that points forward, to which the hub attaches), upper arm, and lower arm. Based on the pictures of the damage to your car, I'd guess that all three and possibly even the subframe may be bent. The lug and lug nut are the least of your worries; these could be bought cheaply from the dealer if nothing else, and are relatively simple to press in/out.

[dvs_dsm]

The main arm that I need, is the one that goes the farthest forward. I believe it is on a 45 degree angle from the hub. Do you know how to get a lug nut off, when the lug and lug nut spin? I believe I do have a Welded Center diff. If I remember correctly when Jack rebuilt it, I asked him to weld it. Hes actually the one that realized that my gears didn't line up with the rearend, so we dropped my driveshaft and transfer case before I even left there.

[Kibo]

It sounds like you're talking about the trailing arm, then. As for the spinning lug / lugnut...oof, that sounds like a tough one. No simple solution comes to mind, sorry. :(

[dvs_dsm]

Its the arm that goes from the wheel forward, as for the lugnut, I have a VERY simple answer, BFH it works every time.

[Kibo]

Yes--that's called the trailing arm.

Not sure how the BFH will help the spinning lug; but if you've got it figured out, that's great.

[dvs_dsm]

I figure snap it off and put a new one in there.