Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Lockout hubs for front Dana 60??

[yyzski]

Which companies make the best manual locking hubs to fit the front Dana 60 on an '02 2500?



There is no axle disconnect on this vehicle - in fact the front axle looks virtually the same as the one in my old W350 from years ago.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

From my understanding there aren't any manual hubs available for the 2nd gens after 98 due to a steering knuckle change. I know Dynatrac makes a kit for the 94 to 98's but anything after that we are SOL. Dodge went away from the CAD mid year '02. My Sept '01 build date truck had the CAD. I would perfer to have no CAD with manual hubs, but unfortunatly I didn't design it. I have talked with Dynatrac about making a kit for the missing years 99-02 but they said the trucks were produced in limited numbers compared to earlier years (I can't really say I believe that) and as of right now they have no plans on producing one either.

 

[yyzski]

hmmmmmmmm..... that's not so good.



Does anyone have any experience with disconnecting driveshafts? Not taking it off, but I heard that there is a company that makes a driveshaft that you can disconnect/disengage by remote control.



I'm not thrilled about the idea of pushing all that rotating mass... ...

 

[AHughes]

YYZSKI Remco makes driveshaft disconnects for cars and trucks to be towed by motorhomes but don't know if they make one for the front driveline on 4WD's. I had one on a Yota P/U 2WD that worked great for towing. You might check their website.

 

[RDBuck]

What is CAD?

 

[Billy Diesel]

CAD - "Center Axle Disconnect". If you look at the passenger side of the axle, there is a small box which houses a vacuum operated fork that engages and disengages the passenger side wheel from the differential.

 

[Muleskinner]

I have a CAD on my 2001. 5. I thought the 2001. 5 and the 2002 were the same truck????Why would Chrysler take the CAD off of the axle if it's the same axle? Does this mean your front end is turning all of the time? If so, that was a stupid move by Chrysler.



They, along with GM and AMC, did the same thing back in the 70's and 80's when they offered full time 4X4. AMC was first in 1974 with the Quadratrac unit. It too used a front axle that was connected all of the time. I know. I had one. It guzzled gas like a bad boy

 

[BWillard]

Originally posted by Muleskinner

I have a CAD on my 2001. 5. I thought the 2001. 5 and the 2002 were the same truck????Why would Chrysler take the CAD off of the axle if it's the same axle? Does this mean your front end is turning all of the time? If so, that was a stupid move by Chrysler.



They, along with GM and AMC, did the same thing back in the 70's and 80's when they offered full time 4X4. AMC was first in 1974 with the Quadratrac unit. It too used a front axle that was connected all of the time. I know. I had one. It guzzled gas like a bad boy

Yes it's turning all the time, BUT it isn't full time four wheel drive like some old Chevy's and Quadratrac. Those had power going to the frontend all the time where ours is not under power in two wheel drive, just rotating because of soild hubs. Almost all of Chrysler's newer straight axle applications are like this such as the Cherokee, and Wrangler.

 

[Muleskinner]

I know the front axle is not powered up all the time unless you shift the transfer case into 4X4. My problem with it is with a CAD the front axle components don't run all the time unless you shift the transfer case into 4X4. That eqates to less drag and better fuel milage, along with less front axle compnent wear. Why change that on a 2002 when the 2001 was a CAD system??? Seems like a step backwards to me.

 

[yyzski]

It's puzzling, especially since the axle changed again for 2003. So why source a different part for the last 6 months of production?



If the front is going to be locked up all the time, it would be nice to have a transfer case that gave you the option of an AWD setting so that you could use it on wet or dry pavement without binding up the driveline.



I remember changing to manual locking hubs on my '79 power wagon - it was as straigtforward as a few snap rings and fitting the lock over the splines in the hub. I wonder if the Ford axle ends would be the same?

 

[RDBuck]

I'm confused. I have an 02 that has CAD. Even with this system isn't the entire front end turning though not under power? The front wheels are turning the front axels even though one side is disconnected from the differential. Someone help me out here!

 

[Muleskinner]

I thought that also, but no, they don't. The axles turn but the CAD frees up the ring and pinion. Grab ahold of your front drive shaft and you will find it turns freely when the truck is in 4X2. Don't ask me how it works, but it does. I would love to put free wheeling hubs on my truck, but no one makes them.