Alternate method for 2WD LO

[jlccc]

My truck still has the front axle disconnect. I've been considering the installation of a Honda EGR vacuum switch as described elsewhere in the TDR archives. My question is, has anyone considered modifying the system "further upstream?"



According to http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/tranfer_case.htm there is already a vacuum switch mounted on the transfer case. The vacuum switch is actuated by the "transfer case range rod. " So, rather than "mechanically" preventing the vacuum motor from operating by installing another vacuum switch, why not put a toggle switch inline with the switch on the transfer case itself?



I'm betting that the transfer case switch is "normally closed" and opens when the transfer case range rod is moved, thus signalling the vacuum solenoid to open and allow the vacuum motor on the axle to engage the front axle.



I'm gonna climb under my truck sometime this week and see if this is feasible.



Any comments?

 

[Thomas]

I think you'll find that the vacuum switch on the transfer case is a mechanical (air valve) switch and not the electrical switch that you are looking for.

 

[GiesJ]

jlccc

I spoke with TDR member Bob V yesterday about his Eaton fuller Kit to do this sort of thing. I highly recommend getting ahold of Bob - His knowledge and understanding of pneumatics was impressive!

I plan on getting his kit in the near future.

-- email address removed --

Do a search on Eaton Fuller and you should see some additional information.

Hope this helps,

J

 

[Whitmore]

Buy the kit from Bob V, it is a great product and comes with very good detail for instalation , I consider the E/F knob -2 wheel low-also exhaust brake switch to be one of my best and funest bombs yet ... ... ..... Kevin

 

[jlccc]

Originally posted by Thomas

I think you'll find that the vacuum switch on the transfer case is a mechanical (air valve) switch and not the electrical switch that you are looking for.

You may be right, but what about the 4x4 dash light? Somewhere there is a switch to annunciate that condition. Perhaps that switch is in the vacuum motor itself. Which of course would not suit my purposes and I'd have to go the EGR valve route.



jrp

 

[jlccc]

Originally posted by Thomas

I think you'll find that the vacuum switch on the transfer case is a mechanical (air valve) switch and not the electrical switch that you are looking for.

You were right.

 

[Boondocker]

Bob V's 2-wheel low kit installation

I have Bob V's 2-wheel low kit and can vouch for it. Good quality parts, good instructions. I don't back my trailer enough to be really good at it, especially with the manual transmission. So being able to go really slow makes it so much easier.



I did an article on the installation that may give you some further insight. http://coyote.accessnv.com/winne/Truck/2WheelLow.htm



Regards,

Neil

 

[Goddard]

get bobv's kit. ! installed mine a couple weeks ago. love it! best quality parts and easy install. it also controls your light in the dash for indication of in or out.

 

[Bob V]

I would like to point out a few things about turning off the vacuum to the whole system. First, the actuator for the front axle disconnect is a double acting, it need vacuum to engage and vacuum to disengage the front axle. By turning of the vacuum to the entire system it is possible to have the front axle partially engaged, even though the dash 4WD light is out. Second, the vacuum must be turned off BEFORE you shift into 4WD. It is also important that the valve be set up as a 3-way valve so that it vents off the vacuum downstream from the valve or the trapped vacuum will partially move the CAD. I do not want to "flame" this system, if the person understand its limitations it will work fine. What my kit does is add a manual valve (more reliable than an electric solenoid valve) that allows the driver to engage-disengage the front axle any time the transfer case is in 4WD, even while moving. If you have any questions my e-mail is -- email address removed --

Bob Verhoef

 

[Whitmore]

BOB IS THE MAN

I am impressed

Some one is trying to take a short cut by taking the cheap way out and Bob chimes in with information to assist them in their challenge! What does this tell you of Bob V's integrity .



Fellas do yourself a favor and simply order Bobs kit, he has researched the system and know his stuff, dont take a chance and hurt your truck, just do it baby, you will not be dissapointed ... ... ... ... ... ... Kevin

 

[jcbrown]

Boondocker HTML Link...

I had to cut/paste to get it to work correctly.

 

[baby.driver]

I don't know anything about Bob V's kit, but I have the twolow kit from B&D and it works fine.



Jay

 

[bighammer]

I got a pneumatic tailgate switch from a local equipmnet dealer that vents the inactive circuit. (~$24)