What is a "CAD" axle?

[Dan_69GTX]

The thread about the split axle mentioned this and I'm not sure what a "CAD" axle is... so



What does "CAD" stand for?



Thanks!

 

[Cooker]

Central Axle Disconnect.



It has to do with our 4wd systems, and how they engage and disengage.

 

[HillCountrykid]

The pass. side axle shaft is two pieces, with splines on the ends that are next to each other. Inside the larger cast section of the tube is a fork that slides a splined coupling over to connect the two sides when the truck is put in 4WD. Hope you can picture this as this can probably be explained better by someone else.



Brian

 

[Sean Flanagan]

The Center axle disconnect is a vacuum operatated gizmo that disconnects the front differential. Unlike automatic hubs the axles still turn when 4wd is not engaged.



A vacuum switch in the transfer case is closed when shifted into 4wd. This sends the vacuum to the Center Axle Disconnect vacuum thingie that slides a fork inside the axle that engages the 4wd. When shifted out of 4wd vacuum to the other side of the CAD thingie is then applied to move the fork the other way. The CAD thingie (Vacuum motor?) is located in the center of the axle, just to the driver's side of the diff.



The only problem I have seen with it is the vaccum lines getting pulled off or damaged when 4 wheeling through brush. It's much more reliable than those stupid auto hubs that require the wheels to turn to engage.