Installed BD Diesel 2 Low Kit
Hello all. My 2013 Ram 3500 has a 6 speed manual transmission and with the Laramie package, the 4x4 system automatically engages the transfer case and hubs at the turn of a dial on the dash. This system is great for not having to get out of the cab to turn hubs and is good because the front axle and driveshaft are completely disengaged in 2 wheel drive. It is not so good for being able to manually manipulate the transfer case and hubs; at least until now!
With the manual transmission, I found backing my 16k fiver into my back yard or tight camp spots to be quite hard on the clutch. As a matter of fact I smelled a faint clutch burning smell a couple of times after these parking scenarios. :E The truck in 2 wheel drive was just too high of a ratio requiring many clutch applications. I couldn't use 4 low because of the tight turns required combined with dry and hard ground conditions which could damage the truck.
I found the BD Diesel 2 low kit which allows the transfer case to be engaged without engaging the hubs. It is a very simple installation by inserting their wiring harness with relays in the 4WD module under the glove box and then running the wires for the switch to the location of your choice. The installation was about 1 hour with a good portion of the time spent properly tying up the wiring under the dash.
If you want normal 4x4 high or low, you simply turn the dial to the selected position as it has always been. To select 2wd low, flip the switch on the 2 low kit, then switch the transfer case to 4x4 low, and VOILA! 2wd low!
I had the opportunity to use the system while backing my trailer into my yard after a camping trip last weekend and it works fantastic! MUCH easier on the clutch.
I can see where this kit would work well on an automatic equipped truck as well to keep transmission temps down while in difficult backing situations.
I have no affiliation with this company; just thought I would pass on my experience of a great modification product.
With the manual transmission, I found backing my 16k fiver into my back yard or tight camp spots to be quite hard on the clutch. As a matter of fact I smelled a faint clutch burning smell a couple of times after these parking scenarios. :E The truck in 2 wheel drive was just too high of a ratio requiring many clutch applications. I couldn't use 4 low because of the tight turns required combined with dry and hard ground conditions which could damage the truck.
I found the BD Diesel 2 low kit which allows the transfer case to be engaged without engaging the hubs. It is a very simple installation by inserting their wiring harness with relays in the 4WD module under the glove box and then running the wires for the switch to the location of your choice. The installation was about 1 hour with a good portion of the time spent properly tying up the wiring under the dash.
If you want normal 4x4 high or low, you simply turn the dial to the selected position as it has always been. To select 2wd low, flip the switch on the 2 low kit, then switch the transfer case to 4x4 low, and VOILA! 2wd low!
I had the opportunity to use the system while backing my trailer into my yard after a camping trip last weekend and it works fantastic! MUCH easier on the clutch.
I can see where this kit would work well on an automatic equipped truck as well to keep transmission temps down while in difficult backing situations.
I have no affiliation with this company; just thought I would pass on my experience of a great modification product.
