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2 wheel low range

AV 2500

PM 2013
PM 2012
SM 2011
Full Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2010
Messages
432
Location
Lagrange GA
Is it possible to get 2 wheel low range without taking out the front drive shaft. Would be nice for backing Some of my bigger trailers up my steep driveway. Without messing up my turning ability or having wheel jump.
 
How much do the trailer weigh and how about a front hitch.

Opps I just read your Sig you have a front hitch.  :E:
 
My heaviest is probably my bobcat on the equipment trailer.  trailer is about 3000, bobcat is 6500 to 7000 leaves me around 10,000.  My driveway is pretty steep. It takes a lot of gas to get up in hi rang I usually use low rang, easer on the trans. I have read about 2wl conversions on Ford and dodge trucks, usually just buy adding a switch in the front hub locking circuit,  but have found nothing about how to do it on a Chevy.
 
So are you backing it up the driveway in 4LO
 
Have you tried using the front hitch and pushing it up the driveway.
 
All I can think of is changing wheel hubs to the manual locking type of old school days..

that way front may turn but wheels not connected since you do not have to lock them in.
 
It is a lot of work, Well not to much but still, to unhook and turn the truck around. But I have done it. It works, not much different than backing.  My drive way is steep but pretty straight. So no real need to push up.

I thought about the hubs. But can't figure out how to do it. I thought about adding a switch in line with the auto hub wire so the silinode would not lock in the front diff when I put in in 4 wheel if I had the switch off. However I don't know is this will throw a code. Or not allow to engage the transfer case all together.
 
I understand my 2500 is bad backing up steep grade the throttle management kicks in.

Maybe tune some of the TM out but because of the design of the differentials I would push it up if possible

 
What is wrong with the diff? Front diff is a 9.5 ifs,ok so not that great but not bad. But the back is a corporate 14 bolt 10.5 one of the strongest diffs ever made. One of only two diffs ever made that has a pinion bearing on both sides of the gear. Just curious never hurd of the 10.5 being week in reverse. Guess you learn something new every day.
 
Backing up puts stress on the back of the gears.
 
Also I don't have a tuner so their won't be any changing of the torque management quite yet. I want a tune though.
 
Changing hubs...
Saw them do it on Extreme Offorad few weekends ago on SPIKE TV....

 
MS03 2500 said:
Backing up puts stress on the back of the gears.

Also on the reverse gear which was not made for that kind of load- Use the front hitch.

Avalon
 
With the way the 4wd system works in our trucks, I think it's actually possible, however it will likely set a code in the transfer case control module.  (Shouldn't throw a CEL though, but you might get a service 4wd message?) You'd have to interrupt the signal going to the front diff's central axle disconnect before it has a chance to engage.  This would keep the RF axle from getting any torque to it. and the open front differential would handle any wheel speed differences front to rear.

As for the load on the rear axle gears - don't even think twice.  it's not an issue.  The AAM10.5 / 14-bolt is a seriously strong axle and though stronger going forward, it's not weak by any means in reverse..    The front axle's gears would be getting no torque on them, so it's also not an issue.

The transmission?  well, when you use low range, you're taking the load seen by the trans and dividing it by 2.72, sooo.. if you're comfortable backing up your driveway with ~3700lbs in high range, it's the same load on the trans as doing 10,000 in low.

You could try disconnecting the CAD on the front diff and see if you're able to get 2wd low..  If it does, then you could go down the road if interrupting whatever signal engages the CAD to engage the RF axle.

EDIT:  Oohh, even easier, just pull the 4wd fuse..  for a more permanent solution, you could remove the fuse and put a fused switch in the cab somewhere..  http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45856&st=15
 
Have not had time to play with it yet. I want to do the same thing. I tried fuses never found one to work?

Follow  wires from diff. To 4 wire plug connection on left fender well.

Unplug connector this disables the front diff. Puts a service 4WD on DIC and goes out when  plugged back in.

I have not had time  to find out which  one or how many of these wires to put on a switch on.

I do not remember if it has to be in 4low before or after the plugs are 
Pulled apart or if it matters.

I think when you are in Auto 4WD it does the same thing to the front Diff.

Doug
 
dougsee3 said:
I do not remember if it has to be in 4low before or after the plugs are 
Pulled apart or if it matters.

You have to be in 2wd hi, then pull the plug/fuse, then shift the t-case.  that will prevent the CAD from engaging the shaft.
 
So after several years I was able to get my 2 wheel low range. BD diesel now makes a lot just for this. Part # 1030710. It works wonderfully.
 
That is interesting and no alarms.  ?
 
AV 2500 said:
So after several years I was able to get my 2 wheel low range. BD diesel now makes a lot just for this. Part # 1030710. It works wonderfully.

Is this switched or is the front always unlocked?
If you need 4 wheel do you need to undo the harness?
 
Who's going to be the Ginny Pig to see if it works on an AV?

Oh and it is switched no need to unplug it, just flip the switch.. You can read the instructions on Summit's web site..



https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bdd-1030710/media/instructions
 
I think AV 2500 already installed it on his 2500
 
No codes. Everything works as normal as long as the switch is in the off position. Once you turn the switch to the on position the front axle will not engage.
 
AV 2500 said:
No codes. Everything works as normal as long as the switch is in the off position. Once you turn the switch to the on position the front axle will not engage.

(y)
 
Might have to add this mod, could have used it a few times..
 
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