Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Disabling the 4x4 on a 97

[SEmerson]

Is there a spot on a 97 that I can put a switch to disable my axle angagement? This way I can have low range 2x4 for moving trailers in the yard.

 

[illflem]

Check this thread http://216.235.147.117/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4928&

 

[stick]

SEmerson:



I purchased a solenoid from www.eaglecontrols.com it is a Numatics L01SA459B. This is a very small 12v solenoid that is used with a lot of the exhaust brakes.

To install, find the vacuum line header along the top of the fire wall just above the fuel filter. You will find a vacuum line going down to the transfer case. All you have to do is place the solenoid in this line, which when activated will block the vacuum from going to another solenoid that is activated when you pull the transfer case shifter in.

So when you have it installed, you turn the solenoid on, and then pull the shifter in, and walla!!

It works very well when backing a heavy load, or when you want to creep over rough terrain, and don't need 4x4.

I hope this is at least clear as mud! It's really pretty simple.



Stick

 

[johnrv4]

It can be done cheaply

Here is what I did on my truck(and a lot of friend's trucks). I emailed the tech. support people at Clippard Minimatics, and came up with this switch:http://www.clippard.com/store/display_details.asp?sku=TV-2S



The switch is threaded with 10/32 ports. I had some 3/16" brass 90's that I threaded to 10/32. I used one of these 90's in the side port of the valve. For the port that comes straight out the back of the valve, I used a piece of 3/16 steel brake line that I threaded 10/32. You can buy the 90's from Clippard also.

I then pulled the vacuum hose off of the barb connector that is on the firewall and goes down to the transfer case. I used another straight piece of 3/16" steel brake line to connect this(transfer case) hose to a piece of 3/16 vacuum hose which I ran into the cab where I mounted the switch. I also ran another piece of hose from the barbed fitting(vacuum source) into the cab and to the switch. I used this hose(vacuum source) and put it on the side port(90 degree) fitting. I ran the hose from the transfer case to the port that comes straight out the back of the valve.

After you mount the switch and plumb it, all you have to do is remember to turn the switch off(vacuum off) BEFORE you shift into 4wd low, and you will have 2wd low range. I have used it quite a bit to back up the TT and save on the clutch, and it seems to work great. The switch is small and inexpensive, except for the $10 handling fee. Last time I bought some, I got 10 of them to help offset the handling fee(still have 4 left). If you wanted to experiment, they also sell a valve that is a two position (exhausted) that would appear to provide you the ability to shift from 4wd to 2wd and back again. With the above mentioned switch, once you turn the vacuum on, it will stay in 4wd until you shift the transfer case back to 2wd(that's why it's important to turn the switch off before you shift the transfer case to 4wd low). The nice thing is the whole set up is relatively inexpensive. I think between the switch, the brake line, and the vacuum line, I had less than $20 in the whole set up. Sorry for the long post, but I just thought I'd share what I did and what works (inexpensively) for me.

 

[SEmerson]

I think I will go with a electric with a exhaust port. Thanks for all the info.

 

[The patriot]

Stick, what does something like that cost?

I tried to find it on the site you put the link to, but it aint the easiest to navigate. No search function either.

TIA

Eric

 

[stick]

Eric:

You're right about their web sight, and i can't remember the price, but you can call (800) 983-1101 with that part number and get the price.



Stick

 

[The patriot]

Thanks!

Eric