4th Gen Front Axle Disconnect

[grabinov]

Hey Guys,

I can't believe there's no information on this, but I can't find any, anywhere. I JUST picked up my new 2014 2500 4x4 Megacab and it clearly has the front axle disconnect. I'm sure this is controlled by the computer system somewhere, so may be very difficult to mess with, but:

Has anyone else thought about the fact that, like back in the days of the second-gen, a front axle disconnect to allow the use of 2-wheel-low gear is now only a matter of wiring rather than mechanical mods? How do we do it?

Greg

 

[sag2]

Unfortunately you can't easily defeat it with a flash or box.

 

[Kry226]

So what are the conditions under which it is connected or disconnected?

 

[DonFitzwater]

So what are the conditions under which it is connected or disconnected?

4x4-Connected, 2x4-Not connected

 

[grabinov]

So what are the conditions under which it is connected or disconnected?

This is a FANTASTIC question. DFitzwater's reply is the most sensible one, but I am not certain that it is totally accurate for this new truck. All the literature that I have seen refers to it as a "disconnect", and implies that it UNLOCKS in order to increase mileage - as though is connected most of the time and unlocks, say on the highway, when the conditions are correct. But it would make more sense to leave it unlocked all the time except when needed. That's how the earlier model trucks worked (my '94 for example).

Now how could we figure that out? I wonder if it is possible to hear it move - when the truck is shifted into 4-wheel for example. Probably not while lying under the truck with the engine running!

 

[sag2]

Your assistant should be able to shift it with the key on engine off and hear it move while you are safely under the truck. Depending on the assistant you may want to put them under the truck and you shift it!

 

[garrettg84]

Your assistant should be able to shift it with the key on engine off and hear it move while you are safely under the truck. Depending on the assistant you may want to put them under the truck and you shift it!

I wish there was a 'like' button on forum posts.

 

[grabinov]

Your assistant should be able to shift it with the key on engine off and hear it move while you are safely under the truck. Depending on the assistant you may want to put them under the truck and you shift it!

I am travelling (with the 5'er) with my wife and two sons at the moment. My oldest is 11 - he's probably the most competent at the wheel if I'm under the truck...

 

[MattandLana]

Ouch! Well, if you thought you were at risk BEFORE you made that post ...