2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front axle, will it be "locked" when engaged?

[KRStone]

I was on some ice the other day, and put my truck in 4x4, and the left ties were spinning, but the passenger tires were motionless. Shouldn't the front axle, when in 4x4, be locked so both tires spin?

Is it possible the axle coupler isnt working because the vacuum servo is broken?

 

[disorientedpilot]

No. There is a differential just like in the rear end. None of our trucks had limited slip front differentials, and not all had limited slip rears.

And the CAD (center axle disconnect) is working if you had a front tire spinning.

 

[TJJEEPER]

You really don't want a locked front when you're on the ice. The ONE non-spinning wheel acts as your anchor. It will hold the truck from going into the ditch (mostly). Locked fronts work when you're in the dirt/rocks/mud but on ice it can be problematic.

Just my experience after 40+ years of 4 wheeling and a couple trips into the ditch.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

With a locked front end, you could not steer unless you spin a tire.

 

[KRStone]

I understand, that makes sense.

 

[JMcCoy]

A selectable locker gives you the best of both worlds, but is expensive. I would not chose an automatic locker or limited slip front for the reasons mentioned above.

 

[rancherman]

In fact, guys who use lockers will set up the CAD with a cable, to DISCONNECT the front axle just for turning purposes.
... Rock Crawlers, Sled pullers, etc...

If the CAD is not working, nothing spins up front. * differential is going like mad, but nothing making it out to the wheels!!*

 

[KATOOM]

Its good to see some intelligent guys around here because its crazy how many people lead others astray by telling them that running a limited slip or locker up front is completely normal and wont cause any driving characteristic problems. Its plain old dangerous to run anything up front besides an open carrier unless you have a selectable locker.

 

[seafish]

I have a DynaTrac freespin kit on my front hubs. I am eventually wanting to install a Trutrac helical gear LS in the front differential so that I do NOT get stuck (as I already have) in mud/clay on my winter ranch roads and fields, even with 4wd engaged. Part of the problem is my pizza cutter tires, but I think that a front LS intelligently used with a FS kit IS a good idea. Obvioulsy with the FS kit, I can "select" NOT to use the front LS at all when my hubs are UNLOCKED, but when the hubs are locked, I WANT there to be power to both front wheels. I understand that this WILL somewhat affect turning ability, but am of the opinion that with the helical gear style LS, the effect is negligible, even on the highway.

What say you all??

 

[KATOOM]

If you have actual manual hubs then you can run whatever you choose since when the hubs are not locked there is no interference from the carrier. But most people dont understand that the CAD system is not the same as manual hubs since when the CAD is disengaged the drivers side tire is still spinning the spider gears. The only way for the carrier to spin along with the tire so that limited slip carrier clutches or worm gears aren't working against that action would be to have the front driveshaft spinning as well.

 

[JMcCoy]

My only concern with running a LS up front would be when engaged on an icy road, where the tire traction would not be enough to overcome the LS. I suppose you could unlock one hub. I have not run one, so I cannot say for sure. I have an ARB in the rear, and will soon be putting one up front. I have read that Eaton has improved their E locker. It would be an easier install, since an air pump would not be needed. Just throwing out options. Please let us know what you choose and how it works.

 

[Ozymandias]

A TrueTrac Locker can be installed in the Front Axle without a downside.
I did thousands of miles on snow and plain ice within my winter travels around the polar circle with my Ram that has one.
Also many sporty FWD Cars come with Truetrac right from Factory.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'd get better tires before considering any type of locker in the front differential. However, I can relate an instance in Montana mud (a horrible substance, lol) where the driver had front and rear lockers, good tires, and still could barely make it through.

 

[KATOOM]

A TrueTrac Locker can be installed in the Front Axle without a downside.
I did thousands of miles on snow and plain ice within my winter travels around the polar circle with my Ram that has one.
Also many sporty FWD Cars come with Truetrac right from Factory.

For example.....?

 

[Ozymandias]

For example.....?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsen#Front_axle_only

 

[Ozymandias]

I'd get better tires before considering any type of locker in the front differential. However, I can relate an instance in Montana mud (a horrible substance, lol) where the driver had front and rear lockers, good tires, and still could barely make it through.

Of course yes. I just wanted to mention that a Front Locker isn't a No-No on a Daily Driver.

 

[KATOOM]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsen#Front_axle_only

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[KATOOM]

A TrueTrac Locker can be installed in the Front Axle without a downside.
I did thousands of miles on snow and plain ice within my winter travels around the polar circle with my Ram that has one.
Also many sporty FWD Cars come with Truetrac right from Factory.

I'm curious about this the more I think about you running a Truetrac up front. Then it dawns on me that your year truck has a full-time 4wd system which means the front axles are always spinning the carrier which in turn are always spinning the front driveshaft. Running a Truetrac Torsen type carrier will work in that system but with all the year Dodge Rams which came with the CAD front axle assembly, this would not be possible. The CAD front axles are part-time 4wd systems and with the CAD disengaged the drivers side axle is always turning the spider gears so the front driveshaft isnt spinning at road speeds. This wouldnt work with a Torsen carrier since the worm gear binding from the torque imbalance would cause the front driveshaft to spin all the time and thus defeating the whole purpose of the part-time system. Just thought I'd point that out if someone with a 2nd gen Dodge didnt realize that.

 

[Ozymandias]

That's possible, I never thought about this case with a CAD installed.