Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Actuator Vacuum-4x4

[LCink]

OK - I have a 95 3500 CTD. Pull the lever, truck sometimes goes into 4X4, sometimes not. Put a vacuum pump on the actuator, one side holds vacuum, the other side will bring up vacuum and then bleed off. What could be the problem and how do I fix?

 

[CumminsPower98]

Sounds like you may need a new vacuum motor if one side won't hold vacuum. http://www.quad4x4.com/Dodge Frt Axle&Steering.htm#Axle_Shift_Kits

 

[CumminsPower98]

I wanted to add more info here. When you apply vacuum to the side where it bleeds off it might be bleeding off because it's shifting so make sure you give it enough vacuum to be sure it's done moving. It doesn't makes since to me that one side would hold and not the other so don't go buying a new unit unless you are sure it's bad. Make sure you don't have vacuum leaks in the lines and that the vacuum switch on the t-case is working right. My cousin's '97 has had some oil leaks which swelled the rubber of the vacuum manifold where it plugs onto the t-case and caused it to leak.



I see this is your first post. Welcome to the TDR!

 

[LCink]

Thanks for the help. We were able to do some more diagnostics, and I think that the vacuum motor is out. I think that instead of invest in a new vacuum motor system, we are going to put in a posi-lock actuator. That should make it more bullet proof, and is not much more price wise than a new vacuum motor.



Thanks for the welcome. I do not post much because I have a buddy that is my wrench, I just try to keep informed. I have learned a fair amount just reading posts.

 

[SMorneau]

Give Dan at quad 4x4 and talk to him about the manual and vacuum actuators he may change your mind.



Scott

 

[DieselDoghouse]

ME want my electric actuator, 'course me want my e-locker differential too!

Me like electricity - easy to fix easy to make STRONG!!!

 

[LCink]

scott,

I gave Dan a call.

He said that they had a lot of warranty work on the GM actuators, but that they did not get a lot of warranty work on the Dodge units. He also said that when he dealt in them he would replace some of the parts in the kit with some that he felt were of better quality.

He said that they quit dealing in them because it was a seasonal business(winter), and they did not want to carry the $$ in inventory in the off season.

He really did not say much bad about the posi-lock to talk me out of getting one to replace the vacuum unit.

 

[SMorneau]

I did not think he would talk you out of it just that he might make you re-think it. It was worth the call wasn't it?



Scott

 

[LCink]

I thought that he would tell me something that I was overlooking, and I would really rethink it.

Spending a fair amount of cash on this truck. Ball joints, DSS, updated drag link, alignment, whole bunch of other stuff, and now this. I hope that I am getting to the end of it. Seems like every part that I need is $150+.

Next is valve adjustment and timing. So there goes another $100. Should be about through it by then, although I think the batteries could be getting weak... Easy come, easy go!

 

[Woodenhead]

My original vac. solenoid and vac. switch on the T-Case lasted almost 10 years. I was having trouble getting into 4WD at about the same time I had Dan at Quad 4x4 do my conversion. Dan diagnosed it as a leaking solenoid and vac. switch. I was going to replace it with a posi loc but like Dan said, the OEM lasted this long so why change it. I had him replace the solenoid and switch and it's worked great ever since.