Front axle disconnect

[mpaulson]

I wonder how long it will be till someone comes out with a front axle lock bypass so that the truck can be used in low range on dry ground/pavement to maneuver heavy loads? Like they had for the second gen trucks which did to two of them. Although this would be breaking my public commitment to my family and friends that I would not do ANYTHING to this new truck as far as modifications to the power train/drivetrain that could put me at risk of being at fault for any future repairs that warrantee wouldn't cover. I will miss my free spin hubs on the 07 for that reason.

 

[dloughrey]

I've seen in Ram's literature that the 3500's do have this feature, exactly what it is I don't know. In a post the other day someone thought that it would auto disconnect when you are backing up.

My signature truck is being shipped as we speak. waiting... ... .

 

[dloughrey]

I just read in Issue 78 on page 43 it talks about the driveline disconnect feature. But it doesn't really say how or when it works. Maybe someone here knows more about it?

 

[rscurtis]

AFAIK, it operates in the same fashion as sit did in the 2nd generation trucks, with an axle clutch on the RH side of the vehicle. It was not available on the 2500 with the 5-link front suspension, but is now used on both the 2500 and 3500 PU with the new frame and 3-link front suspension.

 

[mpaulson]

So what I'm wondering is, is it activated by a vacuum actuator like the second gen trucks? or electric etc.? I sure it wouldn't disconnect when in reverse, that wouldn't make sense. I guess once I get my truck I can look to see if one can just stick in a toggle switch to keep it from activating the unit so that it stays disengaged if desired for 2 wheel low use.

 

[TCDiesel]

Its electric....... there a lot of wires running to the device, SO I don't think its as easy as running a switch ON/OFF to break the connection without the PCM alarm buzzing off.

 

[mpaulson]

Bummer, guess we'll have to wait for someone in the aftermarket to come up with something then.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

My 2013 3500 Dually does NOT disconnect the front axle while backing up in low range, she hops and crabs (I have only done this on gravel) all over the place. I too would love to be able to disconnect the front like I did on the 01 and with the DynaTrac on my 04.

 

[LocoPilot750]

I've got a '14 Laramie 2500 on order, and it DOES have the front axle disconnect. The selling point is about 1mpg better fuel economy. The last four wheel drive truck I had was a '72 Ford F-250. Things have changed since then, it had the old manual twist type lock outs. I've had several SUV's with AWD, and for my 700' driveway that likes to drift in up to my knees, they claw their way right through it, no fish tailing or spinning, just a perfect straight line pull all the way to the road. I'm sure the Laramie will do even better.

 

[S.Morris]

My sons 13 DRW 4x4 aisin will back up 16K triaxle on slight grades without even touching the fuel in High range (3.73 diffs).It is FAR better in this regard than the 48RE in same circumstance. From what I can see, LR is not necessary unless extreme hill backing.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My 2013 3500 SRW 4x4 has front axle disconnect. When I get some time I will try to figure out how to deal with the electric operation to make a 2WD-low range like we did with a vacuum switch on the second gens. However, the new autos may make it less important than the old 5 speed manuals for backing a trailer.

 

[grabinov]

Hey Joe did you ever figure this out? I'd like to use it going forward from a stop on a steep hill in front of my house - on a new 2014 that I am looking at purchasing...

 

[Gordo]

Can anybody tell me if that feature is there on a 2008, 3500, four wheel drive ? I have looked everywhere, but no can find. It sure would be nice to stick it in low range when going down a steep grade, instead of burning up the brakes.

Gordofuchs'
Cleveland, Ohio

 

[seafish]

Can anybody tell me if that feature is there on a 2008, 3500, four wheel drive ? I have looked everywhere, but no can find. It sure would be nice to stick it in low range when going down a steep grade, instead of burning up the brakes.

Gordofuchs'
Cleveland, Ohio

The only way you can get a front axle disconnect on a 2008 is by installing a free spin kit on your truck.