2LO mod / 2WD Low / Auto Front Hub Override mod
#16
07-06-2018, 10:27 AM
If Ford would just put a center diff in these trucks we could have full-time 4x4 with zero binding, high or low range. My primary purpose of this mod would be to quickly disengage the hubs while making a sharp turn on mixed traction surfaces (snow covered to plowed). Nuctrooper, how quickly do the hubs engage and disengage?
Thanks
Thanks
The other day I was pulling some stumps and skidding logs. Needed 4x4 in the woods, but was pulling up onto a road, 2 90 degree turns, then back off road again. It was great just to flip the switch as I came up onto the road, turn without binding, then flip it again as I got back onto soft ground. No waiting for transfer case to disengage and engage every time I made the turn.
#18
07-09-2018, 10:10 AM
#19
07-09-2018, 10:13 AM
Hotshot
My only concern with this mod is that you are multiplying the total torque the rear axle sees by the low range ratio of 2.64:1. Keep in mind when using 4-low in stock, 4x4 mode that the torque increase from the low range ratio is split evenly between front and rear axles. I think using this feature gently for low speed parking maneuvers would be OK but I'd keep in mind you are overloading the rear axle with torque.
#20
07-09-2018, 10:29 AM
My only concern with this mod is that you are multiplying the total torque the rear axle sees by the low range ratio of 2.64:1. Keep in mind when using 4-low in stock, 4x4 mode that the torque increase from the low range ratio is split evenly between front and rear axles. I think using this feature gently for low speed parking maneuvers would be OK but I'd keep in mind you are overloading the rear axle with torque.
#21
07-09-2018, 12:07 PM
My only concern with this mod is that you are multiplying the total torque the rear axle sees by the low range ratio of 2.64:1. Keep in mind when using 4-low in stock, 4x4 mode that the torque increase from the low range ratio is split evenly between front and rear axles. I think using this feature gently for low speed parking maneuvers would be OK but I'd keep in mind you are overloading the rear axle with torque.
#22
07-09-2018, 12:47 PM
Hotshot
I appreciate the discussion, but I think that is not really a "normal use" concern. Yes, you can certainly abuse the drivetrain in LO range. But, consider pulling in 4LO and having the rear tires slip (mud/snow/sand) and the front providing the grip. All the load/torque of LO range is completely carried by the front axle. We aren't snapping D60s left and right in LO when the rear tires slip. Conversely, if the front tires slip, all the load is carried by the rear axle. (as is the case if the hubs are unlocked). Sure, avoid power brake 4000RPM launches, but you don't really do that in LO anyway (hence the "normal use" qualifier.) Yes, you can deliberately abuse the truck and have parts fail, but I don't see any reason to "baby" the truck in 2LO.
#23
07-09-2018, 01:48 PM
While it is true you will multiply torque, I have to think the overall stress to the system will be far less than the stress put on it by binding the drivetrain, such as during a turn. Your overall torque on the rear can only go so high as when you break traction, so I doubt you'd really ever get to a loading that exceeds its capacity.
#24
07-13-2018, 09:01 PM
I like the idea, but can't find location of the electrical component (vacuum solenoid).
2018 6.2L 4x4.
anyone know where it's located; not the same as diesels 'cuz I cannot locate anything similar to the pics included in this thread. (or my dumb *** overlooked it; always possible on a Friday after a few suds).
2018 6.2L 4x4.
anyone know where it's located; not the same as diesels 'cuz I cannot locate anything similar to the pics included in this thread. (or my dumb *** overlooked it; always possible on a Friday after a few suds).
The following users liked this post:
#27
07-16-2018, 09:03 AM
Tuned
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great mod, one of the reasons I like the Warn lockouts on my X but sometimes I wish I could just flip the switch and go. Kinda hard cutting a harness on a brand new truck, but this seems to be worth it.
#28
07-16-2018, 10:17 AM
Did this mod yesterday before hooking my 5th wheel to the new truck for the first time. Works perfect. Made a tight 3 point turn around with no binding, and in 2lo I could move my 40' triple axle trailer around and back it up my driveway with barely touching the throttle. Always planned to do this to my old truck, but never got around to it. Thanks!
#29
07-17-2018, 09:14 PM
#30
07-17-2018, 10:36 PM
The pins are usually labeled on the relay. It’s pretty small print, but there should be little numbers molded into the plastic. If they aren’t labeled, you can google “12v relay wiring” there are many images of the pin layouts - you just have to ignore what the diagrams show to hook them up to (since they are for a bunch of different projects)
yes-you can test the mod out just by popping off the connector (from the pictures above) and leaving it disconnected. The dash will tell you “check 4x4 system” as it recognizes the relay is disconnected, but the transfer case will still shift as directed. If you know you won’t need 4x4 but do want to use 2LO, disconnect it and leave it off (say, for a camping trip where you know you’ll need to maneuver a lot around campgrounds). Easy enough to pop the hood and plug it back in (or alternately, just roll your hubs from auto to manual like we had to do for years to get 4x4).
yes-you can test the mod out just by popping off the connector (from the pictures above) and leaving it disconnected. The dash will tell you “check 4x4 system” as it recognizes the relay is disconnected, but the transfer case will still shift as directed. If you know you won’t need 4x4 but do want to use 2LO, disconnect it and leave it off (say, for a camping trip where you know you’ll need to maneuver a lot around campgrounds). Easy enough to pop the hood and plug it back in (or alternately, just roll your hubs from auto to manual like we had to do for years to get 4x4).