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Shifter Knob/EBrake/TwoLowKit

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piaa 9004's

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Here is a picture of my latest project. The knob is from an Eaton/Fuller trans and has two valves built into it. While these valves are to small and the wrong porting to directly control most exhaust brakes or a full function two wheel low kit they can be used to control the pilot for an electric switch or a four-way valve.

The knob comes in either a single valve or a dual valve version. The dual version has an interlock that allows for only one valve to be on at a time. This function can be defeated by taking apart the knob and modify one of the valves.



I have hooked up a vacuum operated electric switch for the exhaust brake control to the black toggle valve and a front axel lockout (two wheel low kit) to the red slide valve. The original front axel valve in the transfer case and the red knob valve are used in series to control the pilot of a four way valve that engages and disengages the front axel. With this setup the front axel lockout pilot valve (red slide valve) can be left in either normal or lockout when the transfer case is in two wheel drive. Another advantage is that the transfer case can be shifted into 4-high and the red valve placed in lockout. Now with the flip of your thumb you can go in and out of four wheel drive,even while moving, very handy in bad weather. It can also be used as a normal two wheel low kit for low speed maneuvering on hard surface or you could hook up an electric switch to the red valve to control another device such as an auxiliary overdrive.

One drawback to this system is that the knob is about 3 1/2” higher on the shaft than the original.



I can put together a kit for those who don’t want to hassle with locating all the parts if there is enough interest. Let me know if you would be interested at about $225 complete with modified knob (interlock removed), 1/2’NC X M10-1. 5 thread adaptor, vacuum switch, front axel lockout valve, and all the vacuum tube and fittings. At this time I don‘t plan on including any wiring other than the switch itself. If there is enough commitments for these kits I will post a firm price in the classified section.



Bob Verhoef

-- email address removed --
 
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Nice job, Bob :cool: . If you have never tried shifting with the EF knob, you don't know what you are missing. It just feels right, a big improvement over the round OEM knob IMHO. I find it much easier to hit the gear I want with the EF, over the other knob. Just my $0. 02. Once again, nice job on the R+D.



Scott W.
 
Way Kool

Bob,



Ya done it, good job. I am in, it is just a matter of money. I had visions of bombing that logo too, trying to find a Dodge or Ram head to replace that Eaton Fuller logo. Your price sounds reasonable, now just to convince the finance department that it is a needed item for a good price.



Shelby
 
Shelby,

Let me know how you do on replacing the logo. I checked with a local engraver and sounds like all I need is a new blank to engrave. As soon as I get caught up I am going to try to get one made up, if you don't beat me to it.



Thanks everyone for your emails and your interest. I will get the price firmed up in the next couple of days. I have had the knob in my truck for a couple of weeks now and really like it. The lever for the exhaust brake is comfortable to use and I have been checking out using the red operator on the knob to engage-disengage the front axle while the transfer case is in four-wheel drive. This seems to be a real easy quick way to get four-wheel drive during adverse weather conditions.



Since my truck is a 97' the shifter seems to sit a couple of inches higher than the newer trucks. The height difference might not be as noticable in the newer ones. Bob V
 
Beautiful shift knobs here

Bob,



Check out these shift knobs for some ideas. Looks like inserts are available with and without engraving. You gotta like some of the knobs pictured here. I am still interested when you get the prices, but I gotta suck up to the CFO here. I heard a bunch of grumbling about the huge pile of recipts that she found today. Oops!!!!



When I get the e-brake, hopefully this year still, I will probably bomb the shifter at the same time.



Shelby
 
Shelby, I bet you haven't told the CFO about the price of some of those knobs. They are nice! They did get me thinking about making a wood insert and having it engraved, at least till I can sneak one of wood knobs in the truck. (no honey, that has always been there). :rolleyes:
 
Here is an update on the status of the kit. I have been busy with some honey-do's so I haven't had a lot of extra time lately, so it has been on hold. One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is if the front axle thumb "switch" can be shifted while moving, yes it can. Also the height of the new knob is higher but is easy to get use to, I have found the 6 speeds have a shorter shifter shaft than the '97 and earlier 5 speeds so it is not as noticeable on the newer trucks. I have had this setup on my truck for about two months and really like it. The kits should be ready in about two weeks

Thank you all for your interest

Bob Verhoef

-- email address removed --
 
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