homemade 2WD from A4WD

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Feb 16, 2004 | 09:36 PM

sucktin

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From: Charleston, SC

homemade 2WD from A4WD

I have an Expedition with the Auto 4WD system that I can also switch to 4HI and 4LO when needed. I'm annoyed with the Auto4WD because it kicks in when it detects slippage and sometimes I like to be able to have 2WD fun. So I found the fuse to the 4x4 system and turned it into a circuit and now I have a switch on my dash that turns it on when I want the factory settings but if I turn it "off" I have real 2WD and the auto system never kicks in.
I've posted on the Expedition forum and there is some real interest in disabling this auto 4WD. I am just wondering if there is any sort of damage or dangers to driving in this 2HI mode. I've had no problems so far and the truck sounds smooth, no noise. When the rear breaks free, there is no auto-sensing riff-raff going on. FYI I only shift from 2HI to "factory" and back when the car is off because I am not sure what would happen if I made the system come alive while cruising.
Any feedback is appreciated!!

Feb 16, 2004 | 10:21 PM

bob arrington

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From: alaska

i dont think it will cause any problems,bob

Feb 16, 2004 | 11:17 PM

fishmanndotcom

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Joined: May 2000

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From: Senoia, GA

why would turning it off cause any problems? to me having it on could cause more problems! that's an pretty sweet idea man! a lot less wear and tear on your componenets! Just watch the swicth and connections for corrosion and be sure to turn it on at least once a month or so just to keep everything in check!

-jason-

Feb 17, 2004 | 06:43 AM

sucktin

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From: Charleston, SC

Thanks guys, that's what I was thinkin', too! Just took it on the freeway this am for the first time for about 20 miles and it's all good. This actually got rid of a 75mph shimmy that I couldn't get rid of with an alignment, ***** joints, tires, etc.

Nov 14, 2008 | 10:35 PM

yosemitesamiam

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Glendora, CA

Hey bro...not to dig up a dead horse...I'm assuming by your sig you still have the Exped with the homemade mod. I just discovered tonight my Tcase has been slippin on me, and took out 104. I'm planning the same mod. My question to you is...4.5 years later, how is it still working?

Nov 15, 2008 | 07:49 AM

sucktin

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Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 85

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From: Charleston, SC

RE: homemade 2Wd...

I sold the truck back in April, but it was still working at the time. I had to explain the mod to prospective buyers and they really seemed to like the idea.
There was a post on here a while back about using a relay instead of running the entire hot wire to the dash and putting in a switch. My EE skills are minimal so I didn't change my mod...but that sounded like a logical idea.
Anyway, best of luck and go break the rear end loose!

Nov 15, 2008 | 08:21 AM

yosemitesamiam

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Glendora, CA

Hell yeah! Got up early on a Saturday so I could! LOL.

I'll have to talk to my dad about a relay instead...that would be a question for him...my EE skills are with you...his are out of control!

Of course, he works on cars for a living, so I guess that is to be expected.