Jul-30-2016 12:47 AM
Jul-30-2016 07:55 PM
Jul-30-2016 07:34 PM
boogie_4wheel wrote:
Dodge has a vacuum operated from axle on that era trucks. Metal and rubber tubing is run along the inside of the passenger frame rail, and the actuator diaphragm for the CAD (Central Axle Disconnect) is on the backside of the front differential. Vacuum is controlled by the transfer case position, and there is a rubber plug on the (going off memory here, driver's side, upper part of the transfer case) that needs to be connected, and it can be disconnected and rotated and installed incorrectly.
Verify that the front axle is engaging. Jack up one side of the front axle just enough to get a front tire off the ground. Place truck in 4wd and start engine (to generate vacuum), and try to spin the front tire by hand. If you can spin it, then the CAD is not working, or there is an issue with the transfer case (try to spin the front driveshaft as well).
I want to say that there was 2 options for a front locker. ARB makes a selectable for the AAM 9.25, and I want to say somebody had an electric selectable as well. This was a few years back, so availability may have changed now.
There is also the Posi-Lock, a cable actuator that replaces the vacuum unit on the front axle. This is used to eliminate the vacuum system and is replaced with a push/pull knob that would be located under the dash, on the floor, ect. I was going to buy one of these for my '97 GMC to replace the thermal actuator when it died, but it never died...
Jul-30-2016 07:24 PM
Jul-30-2016 04:22 PM
Jul-30-2016 04:03 PM
KKELLER14K wrote:
You know how a rear end works when you stomp on the gas and only the drive tire will spin?? . I have the limited slip rear end which work just fine... it's just that front end that needs that extra something when you really need it.
Jul-30-2016 03:57 PM
Ductape wrote:A cool feature of the ARB is that you can use the on board air supply to air up tires... This can be really handy if you get stuck and decide to air down the tires for increased traction getting out of the stuck.
Install the front e-locker from a power wagon. IIRC the 2500 / 3500 of that generation had the same front axle internals. I've had both kinds and IMO ARB is ok, but overrated. More complex due to the compressor and air plumbing.
Eaton is also offering the e-lockers aftermarket now.
Jul-30-2016 03:38 PM
Jul-30-2016 03:34 PM
Jul-30-2016 03:18 PM
Jul-30-2016 12:45 PM
Jul-30-2016 12:30 PM
Jul-30-2016 10:22 AM
Jul-30-2016 09:59 AM
blt2ski wrote:
If you want a locker of some sort in the front, the ONLY option IMHO is to install an ARB locker or the electric Eaton locker. I would not want a locker up front for most conditions I've driven in. Some off road conditions yes. I would suspect something else is not working in the system.
If you have a GM, their is an electric solenoid that has a tendency to fail every 100K miles or so. Assuming the fronts are not turning at all! Dodge may have something equivalent up front.
marty
Jul-30-2016 09:52 AM
Jul-30-2016 09:48 AM