2WD low range alternative found

[R.M.THOMPSON]

While looking for an A. A. M. parts distributor, I found this web site for a drive shaft disconnect with remote cable control. Would this be a alternate to locking hub mods? After reading a post about the pro's and con's of transfer case and drive-line inactivity, it seems to me that a set-up like this would allow a occasional de-clutch of the front diff. for towing etc... This also apealls to me due to not having my truck out of service while the front end was being reworked. Just buy a replacement front shaft , have it modified , with a good balance job and install. There are a few good places I can think of off hand to put the control cable/lever. Can anyone think a the down side of this ?

Mark Thompson http://www.drivetrain.com/remco.html

 

[ThomasLawrence]

First thing comes to mind... can it take the torque? Remember, 1st gear, 4-Lo could put as much as 9000ft. lbs. on that joint. Granted, that's a theoretical maximum, and wouldn't ever be seen in real life (without lots of other parts flying around, as well), but it illustrates the point - it sounds like this was more designed for cars.



Secondly, it looks like the mechanism (really nothing more than the Dana CAD system put on a driveshaft) it exposed to the elements. Again, with a RWD car, the most it's going to see is some road dust. On a 4x4 truck, I can see that getting buried in mud, sand, and stuff you wouldn't go into wearing a level 4 biohazard suit. I see the control mechnism getting fouled pretty quickly.



If you did want to have this installed, you wouldn't need to buy another front shaft - just take yours out and drive without it. It won't hurt anything. It may even improve your MPG a bit