BD Diesel Performance 2wd Unlock Kit review

[Dan_69GTX]

Yes SNOKING, you are SOOO correct in that statement!!

I installed a 2wd kit in my 1996 before any such kit existed (stole a solenoid to control vacuum from an old honda in the field).

I just couldn't stand moving a trailer around and having to slip the clutch to move it slow. Of course I don't have the clutch problem now, but still need/want to move trailers slow through the field without binding the drive train when the field/road is all dry and hard. And with this BD kit I didn't have to study the wiring diagrams, which is good since I found out that the wiring diagrams are NOT included with the service manual! #@$%! I guess there is a good reason for them to do that but I don't know why.

 

[2013megacab]

This should have gone to the thread that linked me here, but Thanks anyway!

Thanks everyone! Good to know that what I experienced was probably normal. The kit looks great. I wonder about warranty impact, however, particularly after Snoking's comment.

Al

 

[grabinov]

Bump to the top, because:

HOLY COW HOW DID I MISS THIS THREAD! I've been trying to do this since I got my 2014. I KNEW it had to be possible given the workings of the current lock/unlock system, but details as to how it works, and how to interfere with it, are very hard to come by. Even with the help of dealer info, very hard to understand what signals to interrupt/modify... I put unlocking hubs on my 2004 in order to have this capability. Now I can do it with a switch! Good job BD for figuring it out, and thanks for taking the time to adapt your early model kit (really just the concept) to these modern trucks!

 

[Kilroy]

Thanks so much for thread guys. Takes mystery out of install for a duffer like me.

 

[jhenderson]

I'm sure you'll like it. I just used mine an hour ago making a firewood delivery in very cramped quarters. It's much easier on the truck.

 

[butchb]

Thanks for the great write up and pics

 

[kthaxton]

I installed this on mine a couple weeks ago....love it!

 

[CMB]

Very Nice- Will this be available for the 2012 model? Why are we left out of all the fun?

 

[jhenderson]

2012 and down don't have the central axle disconnect.

 

[CMB]

Ok, I'll pout now:{

Could this be achieved through manual locking front hubs?

Thanks

 

[kthaxton]

Yes, but it involves more than just installing locking hubs.....you have to buy a complete spindle conversion kit such as Spynetec. https://www.genosgarage.com/category/hub-conversion

 

[robertyoke]

Got the kit installed - very easy to do. I also installed another relay in place of the switch. That relay is controlled by one of the factory aux switches so NO HOLE was cut in my brand new dash.

Works like a charm.

I'm soooo happy that BD came up with this, that way I didn't have to cut into my new wiring harness to create my own system!!

Glad this works, I have an '18 on order and I really liked 2wd low on my '98. So since I can't play around with it, how did you make the aux switches work? I was understanding that the aux switches were a ground output, momentary or latch on, but then someone here just posted they are positive output. ...so confused
Anyway while I dream of my '18 do you have a wiring diagram sketch you can share as to how you wired in third relay?.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

I will attempt to get a schematic drawing for you. I should have plenty of time to do that in a couple weeks since I am scheduled for back surgery, and currently just laying around in pain.

However, for the 2016 I went to ram bodybuilder.com and download it all sorts of stuff they had on how to up fit the truck. On the 2016, the switches are a positive output. They can be controlled by the computer to either be battery controlled, or switch controlled as an ignition switch. You can also control whether it remembers that it was on, or defaults to off when the key is reset. When I get back to my computer I will try to find what I am talking about.

Hopefully that makes sense since I am using voice to text on this iPhone.

 

[robertyoke]

Cool, sorry bout your back that sounds ....sucky
But now you have something to do No rush as it will be a while before I see the '18 I don't think production even starts for 2 months. .....it's going to be a looooong wait

 

[photowrite]

Also sorry to hear about you back trouble, hope the surgery goes well.

I too am interested in exactly how you wired the BD 2WD Low kit to operate off the OE aux. switches. I love using 2WD low, and it would be fantastic to operate it using one of the OE aux. switches instead of using the provided piece.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Here is a pic of a basic wiring diagram of what I did for the use of the Aux switch. Hopefully that helps folks out!

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Hmmm. Just went to BD's website. Downloaded the latest instructions. They've updated it to tell you how to use your standard auxiliary factory switch. Cool! What a great company

Here is a link to the factory installation manual:
https://www.dieselperformance.com/web/content/46999?download=true

Check out the last page of it.

 

[photowrite]

Hmmm. Just want to BD's website. Downloaded the latest instructions. They've updated it to tell you how to use your standard auxiliary factory switch. Cool! What a great company

Here is a link to the factory installation manual:
https://www.dieselperformance.com/web/content/46999?download=true

Check out the last page of it.

Nice of you to follow-up and share.

Very cool that BD updated their instructions to include the OE Aux. buttons or another, owner provided switch.

James

 

[photowrite]

4th Gen 2 Low UnLoc Kit

http://roadtraveler.net/2-low-unloc-from-bd-diesel-performance/

Just published an article about using 2WD low-range and installing BD's 2 Low UnLoc Kit on a Fourth Generation truck. Lots of details and photos.

This is very similar to the article that was published in TDR94.