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Unlock front wheels 4 Wheel drive low range

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Tongue weight on goose neck

Bed Rail Height, and a 5th Wheel

I often back up in low range with a heavy load.....

I was talking to PacBrake about a kit to unlock the front wheels so that I could back up my trailers without the wheel bind up... .

The kit would allow power to the rear wheels only when it was turned on and the truck was in low range... thus providing 2WD low range for backing... ...

This way your foot is off the clutch and you can creep backwards and think about what your doing instead of worrying about feathering the clutch pedal... .

This kit would be for the 03's and up... . or maybe its the 04"s and up based on how the current front axle is configured on the 2500 and 3500's 4x4's... .

If you have an interest or would like to give some insight please post to this thread and let me know what your thoughts are... ...

And thanks... .
 
I believe Piers and BD have such an animal so that you can do this from the cab.



I installed a small valve under the hood into the vacuum line that goes to the 4wd actuator. If I want low range 2wd I just pop the hood and close the valve, otherwise it remains open for 4wd low.

Total cost, about $3. 00 + the excercise of getting out to open the hood the odd time I need 2wd low :-laf.



HP
 
For the non-vacuum disconnect axles, I think a new shift fork in the t-case could be machined with a new detent (sp) to just engage the planetory (low range) and just the rear sprocket.



I have one for my Jeep.



Yes, it would be nice to have one, if it wasn't too spendy. Too spendy <= $150. 00.



It's not a hard job, just time consuming.



As long as no body trimming would be involved, I'd probably install one.
 
I have a kit that I got from a member. . don't remembr the name... but it is a valve that ties into the vacuum tubes. push down for 2wd. pull up for 4wd. . look in my readers rigs in one of my folders for some pics. it has a red knob on the valve. . the valve also clamps to the shift lever for ease of use.
 
Kevin,

PacBrake and several others build a kit that functions with a switch on the dash for your truck... . I'm guessing around $80-85 as I remember...
 
2wheel low kit

BobV sells a 2wheel low kit. Do search and you should find the thread. Runs about $80 and well worth it.



Dave:)
 
the newer trucks (my 02 included) dont have the axle disconect dont they?



no. they do not! you have to buy hubs for disconnect on an 03 up truck.

People talk about disconnect inside the t case but has anyone seen one for the np271/273 ?? that would be great! for now I just scrub the tires or ride the clutch.



-robert
 
Not sure how this could be done with the electronic 273. Might work great with the 271.



FYI, the vacuum disconnect was on the 01' and below trucks. The vacuum disco is easily converted to 2low. The 3rd Gen solution with the modified shift work wouldn't necessarily work with the 01. 5' and 02' 2nd Gens. As far as I know the late model 2nd Gens still had the 241 and 241hd TC.



I wouldn't mind eliminating the unit bearings with the dynatrac conversion. The problem with the hub conversion is adding a new maintenance item.
 
Did the EMS off road kit,

It works great, no more shudder,shake, when moving around with a load... .


And, greeseable/replaceable bearings. Also steers better with 2 HI on the
highway...

And, some MPG improvement,
 
I Would Be Interested In A 80-100 Dollar Kit For The 3rd Gens. These 16 - 20k Loads Are Hard On The Drive Train To Back Up.
 
The problem with the hub conversion is adding a new maintenance item.



What's to maintenance?? As long as you pack them full of grease, they will last as long as the rear wheel bearings... and how often do you replace them?



I have around 75k on mine without touching them.



steved
 
The rears are oil bath lubed with differential lube and yes they will go nearly forever. Mine look great at 390k as I saw them only a few thousand ago for a seal.
 
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