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Switch For 2WD Low Range
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Thanks for the info guys ! I just placed an order with BD, should ship today, and I hope to install this weekend. Will keep you posted.
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
Just ordered mine.
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10'11" Slide-in Camper.
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10'11" Slide-in Camper.
Correct. For this application you would need a "normally open" solenoid. You would energize (turn on) the solenoid, then switch to 4L (pull back on the 4x4 lever). If you switched to 4L then turned on the solenoid, you would still go to 4x4.
If a "normally closed" solenoid were used, then every time you wanted 4x4 you would have to turn on the solenoid.
This seems like an ideal addition. Does anyone want to worry about warrenty concerns by cutting into the vacuum line?
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2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
If a "normally closed" solenoid were used, then every time you wanted 4x4 you would have to turn on the solenoid.
This seems like an ideal addition. Does anyone want to worry about warrenty concerns by cutting into the vacuum line?
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2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
Oh yeah. Don't forget to be careful if you have a 3-way, 2-position solenoid. With one of those types of solenoids, it wouldn't be good to connect it in such a way that it seals off the front hubs (which is what you want for 2L), but vents the hose from the vacuum pump (which means the vacuum pump can't hold a vacuum). For this addition, a 2-way, 2-position solenoid would be best.
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2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
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2001, 3500, Cummins, SLT, 5sp, 3. 54LS, camper/tow package, 4x4, freed turbo silencer, 165 watt backup lights and lookin for more.
The BD Engine Brake 2WD LO kit arrived yesterday. All I can say is that this is a very professionally designed kit and well worth the money. I am an electrical engineer and I too could have built such a kit-but I could not beat the price! Top quality components (metal vacuum switch and barbs) and harness throughout!
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 08-31-2000). ]
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 08-31-2000). ]
Received my 2-lo kit from BD last night. Appears to be fairly easy to install. I plan to hook it up this weekend. $85. 00 plus
S & H. Stay tuned... ... .
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
S & H. Stay tuned... ... .
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
This may sound stupid, but I am interested also in the kit that BD sells and want to get it so I can use low range when backing and maneuvering my 26'TT. Anyway,my question is will the addition of this kit screw with any possible warranty coverage repairs IF the need for warranty repair becomes necessary 
#ad
.
Any help?
Phil
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`01 2500,QC,LB,4WD,ISB,5SPD,
355 LSD,Tow Pkg. ,Forest green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps,Mist gray seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns. Bone stock and plenty of power. THE BIG GREEN MACHINE.
Built in St. Louis
PHIL STUART
#ad.
Any help?
Phil
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`01 2500,QC,LB,4WD,ISB,5SPD,
355 LSD,Tow Pkg. ,Forest green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps,Mist gray seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns. Bone stock and plenty of power. THE BIG GREEN MACHINE.
Built in St. Louis
PHIL STUART
Barracuda-
I too am very warrantee conscience, but once again, I think that you are only in trouble if the device that you have added results in the failure. The reason the factory doesn't offer a 2WD LO is that you would have a potential for sending a large amount of torque to a single differential rather than the sharing of the torque between both differentials (i. e. do not pop the clutch while in 2WD LO). As for myself, I have a very steep driveway with turns and when backing up my 4000-lb Bigfoot slide-in camper, I must be in LO range. I just figure that I am doing less harm to the drivetrain with the 2WD LO option than I would in 4WD LO. I would say that you have a similar situation with a 26' TT. Would you prefer to back into a tree so that you can protect your warranty?
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 09-10-2000). ]
I too am very warrantee conscience, but once again, I think that you are only in trouble if the device that you have added results in the failure. The reason the factory doesn't offer a 2WD LO is that you would have a potential for sending a large amount of torque to a single differential rather than the sharing of the torque between both differentials (i. e. do not pop the clutch while in 2WD LO). As for myself, I have a very steep driveway with turns and when backing up my 4000-lb Bigfoot slide-in camper, I must be in LO range. I just figure that I am doing less harm to the drivetrain with the 2WD LO option than I would in 4WD LO. I would say that you have a similar situation with a 26' TT. Would you prefer to back into a tree so that you can protect your warranty?
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 09-10-2000). ]
Dresslered,
Did you install your kit yet? I didn't get around to mine this weekend, and I was wondering what wire you tapped into for the power?
Thanks... ... . Wiz
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
Did you install your kit yet? I didn't get around to mine this weekend, and I was wondering what wire you tapped into for the power?
Thanks... ... . Wiz
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
Wiz-
I too was to busy to get the 2WD LO switch installed this weekend (did get the Tork-lifts on, however). As far as the power source, I tapped into the Cigar Lighter when I first got the truck and have several dangling pigtails for future accessories. It's been a little while since I looked at the wiring diagram, but I believe that this is a 20-Amp "switched" circuit. My gauges also come off of this circuit.
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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
I too was to busy to get the 2WD LO switch installed this weekend (did get the Tork-lifts on, however). As far as the power source, I tapped into the Cigar Lighter when I first got the truck and have several dangling pigtails for future accessories. It's been a little while since I looked at the wiring diagram, but I believe that this is a 20-Amp "switched" circuit. My gauges also come off of this circuit.
------------------
David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.
I installed my 2-lo kit this week, but can't get it to work. Everything is hooked up correctly per instructions, and I tapped into the cigarette lighter for power. When I flip the toggle switch, the light comes on, so I know I have power to the switch. It is goofproof to incorrectly hook up the vacuum lines. So far, I spoke with BD twice, trying to troubleshoot the problem with no success. Won't have time this weekend to investigate further. Stay tuned...
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
People,
The only way to know if the 2-low kit is functioning is to follow the instructions on the last page "Function Test".
Start the truck then shift the Transfer Case into 4-low range, with the switch in the off position under hard turn,(steering all the way over to the stop), you should feel that steering wheel 'hop'. This is NORMAL or STOCK operation. The 'hop' is a result of the torque being applied to the u-joints while in a sharp turn.
Now, with the truck running, shift Transfer Case out of 4-low. Activate the 2-Low switch, the light will come on indicating power and operation. Shift Transfer case back into 4-low and try a hard turn again. There should be NO steering wheel 'hop'. This is the 2-Low operation.
PS: To answer power question, any switched 12V power wire is OK. The lighted switch will illuminate indicating power.
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Real BOMBers never get speeding tickets. . just a lot of warnings!
The only way to know if the 2-low kit is functioning is to follow the instructions on the last page "Function Test".
Start the truck then shift the Transfer Case into 4-low range, with the switch in the off position under hard turn,(steering all the way over to the stop), you should feel that steering wheel 'hop'. This is NORMAL or STOCK operation. The 'hop' is a result of the torque being applied to the u-joints while in a sharp turn.
Now, with the truck running, shift Transfer Case out of 4-low. Activate the 2-Low switch, the light will come on indicating power and operation. Shift Transfer case back into 4-low and try a hard turn again. There should be NO steering wheel 'hop'. This is the 2-Low operation.
PS: To answer power question, any switched 12V power wire is OK. The lighted switch will illuminate indicating power.
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Real BOMBers never get speeding tickets. . just a lot of warnings!
The dashboard "4WD" light only comes on once the front axle is engaged (via micro switch on axle). If the solenoid valve (part of 2 low kit) is working you should not see this come on. It is best to turn the 2-low switch on before shifting out of 2-high to 4-low and the 4WD light should never come on. If already in 4-low and the 4WD dash light is on turning the 2-low switch on may not disengage the front axle and the 4WD light will stay lit. This is because the solenoid valve only disconnects the air source (keeps axle from engaging), it does not direct air to the disengage side of the air powered actuator on the axle.
I may be wrong, but I think the above is correct. Always use the switch before shifting to 4-low to get your 2-low to work.
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Just got my 2001 2500 QC, SB, 4x4, ETH 6-sp, 3. 54 LSD, SLT++ (everything but those lights on top of the roof), White over Silver, Tan leather. Picked it up 8/31/00.
I may be wrong, but I think the above is correct. Always use the switch before shifting to 4-low to get your 2-low to work.
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Just got my 2001 2500 QC, SB, 4x4, ETH 6-sp, 3. 54 LSD, SLT++ (everything but those lights on top of the roof), White over Silver, Tan leather. Picked it up 8/31/00.
TDCANUK,
There is another way to test 2-lo, and thats to put the rear end up on a hydraulic jack, go into 4-lo,and flip the switch. I have also tried SKI BUMS way, and no matter which combination I use (shift 1st, flip switch, or flip switch, then shift) with the rear off the ground, the front wheels pull. Since I know I have good power to the switch (light on), I'm going to get out a meter to see if there is current going to the spool valve. Since my last post, I have not heard from BD, after leaving a message. We'll figure this out sooner or later.
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2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
There is another way to test 2-lo, and thats to put the rear end up on a hydraulic jack, go into 4-lo,and flip the switch. I have also tried SKI BUMS way, and no matter which combination I use (shift 1st, flip switch, or flip switch, then shift) with the rear off the ground, the front wheels pull. Since I know I have good power to the switch (light on), I'm going to get out a meter to see if there is current going to the spool valve. Since my last post, I have not heard from BD, after leaving a message. We'll figure this out sooner or later.
------------------
2001 ordered 12/20/99. Arrived 2/9/00 2500 RC, SLT,4X4,ETH,6-speed,4:10 anti-spin,Camper special,cab clearance lights,GPD trailer tow mirrors,sliding rear window,Snow Plow prep, power seat,Line-X'd OTR bed and quarter panels,DeeZee running boards,INTENSE Blue/ agate.
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
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