The problem:<br>First gear and reverse seem very low unless you are backing a trailer. Sometimes it seems that you cannot go slow enough to maneuver comfortably. Being able to go into low range but not engage the front wheels would allow you to back up at a crawl.<br><br>Locking / unlocking hubs (Like Warn etc.) would seem to be the answer. However they are not available for the 2001 Dodge 4 X 4. I understand there is one conversion kit, but it appears to be a large and expensive project. Note: If you want to reduce more of the drag from the front end this kit sounds as if it is the way to go as it would disengage both front wheels from their respective axles.<br><br>There is an alternative:<br>Last weekend we installed the 4 X 4 posilok. As it comes from the factory the passenger side axle is engaged by a vacuum actuated shift lever when you shift into low gear range or 4 high. The 4 X 4 posilok replaces the vacuum actuated part with a cable actuated part. This gives the truck 2 low range capabilities. <br><br>My experience:<br>The kit works and it has made backing trailers much easier.<br><br>The kit parts as far as fit and quality are very good; I would give them an A. <br><br>It is a relatively easy kit to install. However the instructions are incomplete and out of date. I would give them a C – for instructions.<br><br><br><br>

 

There are several different types of methods for giving yourself a 2LO option, including a couple of shade tree mechanic DIY for under $20.<br><br>One just has to be careful with the throttle when you do this, because you effectively made your driveline a 7:10 or 8:20 ratio, and your are putting all that wonderful HP and torque through one axle.<br><br>Sticks

 

[quote author=Sticks link=board=4;threadid=17286;start=0#161981 date=1058707534]<br>There are several different types of methods for giving yourself a 2LO option, including a couple of shade tree mechanic DIY for under $20.<br><br>One just has to be careful with the throttle when you do this, because you effectively made your driveline a 7:10 or 8:20 ratio, and your are putting all that wonderful HP and torque through one axle.<br><br>Sticks<br>[/quote]<br><br>Would you care to share some of these options?<br><br>Mike

 

2 Low kits work on axles with a CAD (center axle disconnect). I believe your 2001.5 does not have that. The &quot;shadetree&quot; options for those that do have CAD involve the use of an EGR solenoid valve. My company sells a 2 Lo Kit that contains a double-acting solenoid valve, safety switch, and toggle switch and all the brackets and plumbing, which saves a lot of time and hassle.

 

Maybe I'm over simplifing this, but wouldn't simply lenghthening your vac actuation line in to the cab with a small check valve net the same results?... Minus the safety switch of course.

 

Not necessarily. The diaphragm on the axle is a double-acting unit. The way that it engages/disengages is by applying vacuum to one side, and exhausting the other. The correct way to switch it is to reverse the vacuum/exhaust connectiolns, wich is what a double-acting solenoid valve does.

 

Got it. Good info.

 

to bad they have not invented a driveshaft with a clutch :

 

[quote author=emjay link=board=4;threadid=17286;start=0#162340 date=1058809086]<br>2 Low kits work on axles with a CAD (center axle disconnect). I believe your 2001.5 does not have that. The &quot;shadetree&quot; options for those that do have CAD involve the use of an EGR solenoid valve. My company sells a 2 Lo Kit that contains a double-acting solenoid valve, safety switch, and toggle switch and all the brackets and plumbing, which saves a lot of time and hassle.<br>[/quote]<br><br>Mine does have the CAD, but short of spending the 200.00 manual pull cable kit, what else is there. I like this idea, especially for reverse, but forward lo 2wd is nice as well. I will look at yours Emjay. I was refering to what the previous poster said about shade tree mech fixes.<br>Mike

 

[quote author=Mark Thomas link=board=4;threadid=17286;start=0#162493 date=1058833161]<br>to bad they have not invented a driveshaft with a clutch :<br>[/quote]<br><br>High Angle Driveline is currently working on a driveshaft slip-spline disengagment unit for the rockcrawling scene; where it's favorable to engage the front axle independently of the rear axle on applications where modifications to the transfer case won't allow this (run-on sentence ;D)... Maybe it'll trickle down in time.

 

<br><br>Sorry, been busy.<br><br>Here is a link to a DIY option.<br><br>http://www.vtlink.net/users/joespond...miker2x4lo.htm <br><br>And a link to a web page that has lots of discussion on DIY<br><br>Dodge Ram.Org <br><br>I have been having trouble myself finding a 12v vacuum switch. I got otherwise occupied for the last several months, and have not been looking.<br><br>If anyone has a brand and part number...?...<br><br>The ones for sale are real nice, and I was thinking of throwing my business at the little guys doing business from their basement, I just don't have the money right now.<br>