Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Disable of front wheel drive in 4wd low range

[LittleSmoker]

I know there has been a discussion in the TDR magazine about disengaging the front end in 4wd low range in order to push or pull heavy loads slowly up a hill. Is there a kit available for this? If not, does anybody know the procedure to accomplish the change-over? I want to be able to select whether I am in 4-wheel low or 2-wheel low, not eliminate the 4-wheel low altogether.

 

[Mishkaya]

Geno's sells this kit: BD 2-LOW KIT (94-01) DODGE-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage

I love it.

 

[LittleSmoker]

Thanks, Miskaya. That's just what I was looking for. Good info.

 

[GrantP]

If you want a purely mechanical setup to accomplish this, take a look at 4x4 Posi-Lok Positive Axle Engagement System for Dodge 4x4s

The upside is there are no vacuum lines or electronics involved, the downside is that you have to come to a complete stop before you can engage the front axle.

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I have the posilok and I engage it while moving. It is actually harder to engage when stopped. It is also not a 2low it only controls the CAD which engages the passenger front. The driver front is engaged in any 4wd gear. The posilok kit ( and I assume the other kit) will put you in 3wd. Posilok specifically states not to use a lot of power in the "2low" setting which kind of defeats the purpose.

 

[LittleSmoker]

Thanks for the good information, but I think the BD system is more what I am looking for.

 

[AndrewKing]

HI,

FWIW - The only reason not to use a lot of power in 2 LO is because all the power is now only going to only one axle rather than being divided by two axles... . not to mention that the transfer case more than doubles the torque to the wheels. .

I have Posi Loks on 2 trucks and love the flexibility and reliability...

Andrew

 

[LittleSmoker]

Thanks. That seems to be what I'm looking for.

 

[BDaugherty]

Vehicle Accessories -



Pacbrake also makes a Dodge 2wd low kit. It's cheaper than the BD kit.

The Posiloc kit and the other 2 low kits accomplish the exact same thing in the exact same way. They just go about it differently. The Pacbrake and BD kits block the vacuum signal to the CAD actuator. The Posiloc kit gives you mechanical control of the CAD actuator via a lever actuated cable. Some folks build their own kit with a switch, relay, and solenoid valve. Used EGR valves are common and easy to find 12v solenoid vavles that would work for a do-it-yourself kit.



When you have an open front differential with only one axle connected to a wheel, it won't matter which direction or how fast the driveshaft spins. The truck will move only from the power of the rear tires and any front differential movement will just go the the non-connected middle axle which will just spin freely. The reason that you should be careful with using a lot of power in 2low is because your torque will be multiplied by 2. 72 ( I think that's the low range gear in a NP241HD). Instead of 500 ft/lbs, you will be closer to 1350.

 

[LittleSmoker]

BDaugherty -- Thanks for all the useful information. I'll check into the Pacbrake kit when I find a dealer in my area. I got on the Pacbrake site, but apparently they don't sell directly.

 

[Extreme1]

Here is a link to the unit I bought: Bob V's 2 Wheel Low Kit. The instructions are near the bottom.

 

[LittleSmoker]

I'll look into that. Thanks for the post.

 

[BarryG]

I second Bob V's 2 wheel kit. It is complete and doesnt just dump the vacumn it redirects it just like the stock switch setup. Kit is complete and of good quality.