2 wheel low for 3rd gen

[Mathew Clausen]

Hello. I'm trying to judge what interest there would be in a kit that would allow two wheel low range in 3rd gen rigs. This would end up (for manually shifted t-cases only) with a shift pattern of 4H-2H-N-2L-4L. Removal and disassembly of the tcase would be required - then swap in some new parts and put back together.



I've got this working in a couple of rigs (mine and freinds) and am trying to decide if its worth the effort to move on with building these as a kit in quantity to try and sell.



Are there many people willing to dissasemble a tcase to get 2low? It ends up not being terribly difficult, but is intimidating at first.



Thanks for any comments



Mathew

 

[MMeier]

Wish mine would have it... . without spending $1800. Whats involved with your set up?

 

[Mathew Clausen]

New shifting cam and a new modified range fork are the parts required. Then disassemble and reassemble the tcase with the new parts. Price would for sure be much much less than $1800!

 

[WOT]

It depends on price. I've been toying with the locking hubs conversion to get 2low (and possibly slight MPG improvement). If it wasn't too pricey it might be an easier way to go.

 

[opjohnny]

Sounds like a slick way to do it. Reverse is just a little tall for backing a trailer sometimes. You have my interest.

 

[DKnotts]

Definately have my interest as well. Have you looked into the possibility of "twin" sticking it? Where you can engage each axle independantly in H or L range? This is a common conversion on certain older Jeeps w the Dana 300 transfer cases like 1980-85 I think. Just curious is all. That option would obviously be more expensive if even possible and not idiot proof like your idea. With twin stick someone "could" engage one axle in H and the other in L if they were not paying attention. Not with your setup. Twin stick setup has more off-road applications than on-road where your idea works best I think. Glad someone is thinking and looking into custom "options" though. Keep up the good work!

 

[bighammer]

I have studied the drawings of the T-case a bunch and thought there might be a way to move the range fork without moving the mode fork. I just never had the time or extra case to play with.

Depending on your price, I might be interested.

 

[Mathew Clausen]

I did the same thing - looked at some exploded views and thought you should be able to do it. Turns out there are a few hurdles. My first try involved just modifying the original shift sector to travel farther and move the "mode" fork from 4 to 2 while staying in low range. Ended up with 4h-2h-N-4L-2L pattern. But to get the extra range of motion the case had to be "modified" with a die grinder. AND - the range fork also to be machined to miss mode fork. Latest parts I shortened up the throws to fit an extra shift in the original range of motion and not have to modify the case. And - since starting from scratch anyway - I changed the pattern to 4H-2H-N-2L-4L which makes the shifts from N-2L-4L easier than from N-4L-2L since only one fork is moved at a time.



Final semi-production parts are a couple of weeks away - then I'll look at offering for sale.



I sounds like price is a big factor - as expected. I'm still investigaing what it will cost and how much time it will take to make more than qty of 1 - but it will be less than $200 for sure.

 

[SFrey]

i'm installind a lock out convertion on a customers 01 3500 tomorrow, i'll let you know how it went, and post pics.



scot

 

[redfuelrules]

Sounds like a really good idea. Also, alot more economical & convenient for ppl towing than the Dynatrack humb conversion.



Ben

 

[CumminsBu]

I would it and pic would be great.

 

[Matt400]

I would be interested in this. .

 

[Mathew Clausen]

I will have a few parts available after memorial day. I'd like to find a few local (Portland, OR) rigs to try this on - just to get some comments on istallation, etc. If your interested PM me.



Mathew

 

[DerekW]

sounds awsome i had 2wl in my old jeep and loved it. your 2WL kit will most likely be as easy to install as all the 2WL kits I have installed. I have done my share of T-case Slip yoke eliminators and 2WL kits. in fact 2 of my vehicles are so equipped cuz you always find a reason for it its so useful. anyone with common sense can install with the transfer case still in the truck. you just have to pull front and rear driveshafts off the t-case. I wish I had a manual shift t-case I would jump on this but i have the POS electronic t-case crap.

 

[wantabe351]

Im interested in a 2WL kit,also interested in how the case is modified for the second selector? e-mail me at... ... . rhenry1960@aol.com

 

[Nschroeder]

I would also be interested in this kit. pm me if you get a price sorted out

Thanks, Nick

 

[Matt400]

Along with 2wd low it would be interesting if there was a way to change the low to just a 20 or 25% under, that way auto's could easily tow in OD.

It would be like having a US gear under-drive.

 

[y-knot]

Matt,

The 2WDLow kit for the 2nd gen trucks sold because it was quick and simple to install, and the price was very reasonable. The proposed 2WDLow kit for the 3rd gen trucks is just to involved. Sure some say they would do it, but have you ever hosted a group buy? You have 75% blow hards, and when time comes to pay or shut up they all mysteriously don't have the funds. Your ideal would not work with the majority of 3rd gen owners, in fact if the 2nd gen 2WDLow kit involved tearing into the transfer case, I would not have installed one either, and I have a very well equipped shop.

 

[Matt400]

I think Mathew's idea is viable if he sells it to the right people.

Sure. . he could sell a few here and the idea not fly well but if its a quality kit that he is able to wholesale, then vendors who do drivetrain work for a living could offer it to their customers at an installed price.



It would make a good add on when upgrading the clutch or transmission IMO.

 

[C. Harlan]

You have my interest. . Let me know a roundabout price please.



-Chris-