Doe's anyone know how to alter the systems 4X4 so that you can be in low range with the transfer case, but not have the front hubs locked in 4X4 power. THANK YOU!

 

Out of curiosity, why would this be usefull without the front wheels locked? - seems like the tail end is too light for just the rear end to be in low range, and the ELD does a great job without any mods.

 

An example of where this would be useful is on a step paved grade and backing an RV into a camp site. The low range would be helpful, but the front tire drive traction is harmful.

 

Why is it harmful? Using the front to push can only more evenly distribute the load across two differentials and the drive train. Also have you given consideration to the ELD in this instance? - Additionally there has been extensive debate on whether or not dry pavement is harmful to the front drive system, I am not sure if any conclusion was made other than the system was designed for the occasional dry pavement use.

 

short of having the hubs in auto and somehow removing the vacuum from the hubs, I wouldn't think so. I'm not too familiar tho with the Ford set-up. Years ago you could do as you mention when you could leave your hubs in free, (unlock), and put T/C in low. Now, hmmm, not too sure.

 

You are on to the same line of thinking as I am, someway to break the hub locking action. When on dry pavement with the front end locked in, the front tires want to buck and fight the traction with the turning of the steering wheel. Thanks

 

I tried to order manual transfercase on my 2011 Lariat like I had on my 01 for the exact reason as stated. I used low range many times to back the 5th wheel up hill on hard surfaces. (I also had manual hubs but now I am beginning to like the auto feature on the new truck). It was easier on the transmission but the dealer assured me that manual transfercase was not available nor would I need it with the new and improved 6 speed trans on these new trucks. Time will tell. Oh and by the way I still lost my trans on the 01 at 98000 miles.

 

You can unplug the PVH solenoid before switching to 4WD. This will prevent the auto hubs from locking. I don't know about the 2011, but on previous trucks it's on the passenger side fender in the engine compartment. It is a small solenoid with 2 vacuum connections and a 3 wire connector.

However, I'd be very careful doing this. There is a reason most 4WD systems don't have a 2WD low. In low range there is enough torque to easily twist the rear drive shaft. With the front engaged in Low range also, the torque is divided between the front and the rear. A 2WD Low will put all that torque to the rear. A little too much go pedal application could end badly.

 

Good point! Back in 1978 there wasn't near the torque there is today.
Easy does it Ron.

 

for the same reasons stated above, I think this isn't as useful with the 6.7L than it may have been previously. There is more than enough torque to get the job done in 4L. HTH

 

I share this situation and I just put the trans in M and put it in 1st gear. Gives me enough low speed control do do what I have needed to do.

 

My Brother-in-law did this type of mod on his 2005 Dodge Cummins 2500. He loved having the low range for backing his trailer. He installed a relay run by a toggle switch on the dash to prevent the electric "Inner Axle Disconnect" sleeve from engaging unless he wanted it to. I hope that you are able to get this project done. I can't count the times that I have wanted this feature. Anyone who has had to back up, on dry pavement, and cut the front end in 4x4, knows that there is an incredible strain on the front end. The short-side front axle, can only take so much torque before it twists apart. The increased torque of the Scorpion is even more reason for this feature. I know, because I twisted a short side axle on my 94 Cummins(285/400) Dodge. Keep us informed

 

I just realized that I made a mistake in my post... I should have said that there is more than enough torque in 2H. I didn't mean to suggest that backing a trailer in 4x4 on dry pavement is a good idea... it definitely is not