1996 dodge ram 1500 5,9l 46re 4x4 actuator and axle questions

leffyritty · Jan 21, 2016

I own 5 jeeps and have owned all types of trucks and have always had solid front axles. This is my first with a actuator on the front axle. What I am trying to figure out is why I cant simply make a solid one piece axle shaft to bypass this. Why is it required? Its not like the transfer case will be engaged in 4x4. So why do we not want these two shafts locked together? Im rather confused why its there in the first place. The only thing it controls is the front power wheel. Help me understand this and what would be the cons of removing this system. Thank You.

dapepper9 · Jan 21, 2016

Because some idiot at Chrysler decided it was a great idea then eliminated it for the 2002+ 2500/3500 trucks.

There's ways about doing away with it:
D60 swap with 2002 shaft
Flip the fork and manually engage it then remove vacuum lines
Couple other ways I'm not sure of

NightMares · Jan 21, 2016

Cons are that the Ram trucks get horrible mileage as it is. Disconnecting the front axle shafts allows the front end to spin freely, exact same idea as having manual locking hubs, only you don't have to get out of the vehicle to engage the 4 wheel drive.

There are kits available that will bypass the setup, although they're pretty pricey for the outcome that you get.

I'm in the process of regearing my truck to 4.88's and rather than put the CAD back in, I'll be doing the Posi-Lok. Replaces everything vacuum with mechanical cables.

BBartow · Jan 21, 2016

dapepper9 said:
Because some idiot at Chrysler decided it was a great idea then eliminated it for the 2002+ 2500/3500 trucks.

Then brought it back for 2013+ 2500/3500 trucks. I guess something is going on lol :crazy:

Although its electronic, not vacuum.

dapepper9 · Jan 21, 2016

BBartow said:
Then brought it back for 2013+ 2500/3500 trucks. I guess something is going on lol

Although its electronic, not vacuum.

Didn't know that. Fail

Jimmy68 · Jan 21, 2016

There also is full axles available to delete the two piece.

leffyritty · Jan 22, 2016

Well as long as I'm not going to break anything I guess I'm going to remove it. When I get done rebuilding the trans I'll let you guys know about any change in fuel consumption

NightMares · Jan 22, 2016

Honestly if you have an open carrier in the front you probably won't notice anything.

Merc225hp · Jan 22, 2016

Lol omg u guys, Cad, part time hubs all that **** is for mpg. From a guy that had a dl in the front spinning all that **** including the xcase does use more gas.

leffyritty · Jan 22, 2016

What's a xcase?

Merc225hp · Jan 22, 2016

leffyritty said:
What's a xcase?

Transfercase

leffyritty · Jan 22, 2016

The transfer case will be in 2wd front shaft will spin with the front axle but not the transfer case just like in any other 4x4. I don't see how a front free turning complete front end. Will get any better mpg than one split in half. Which is why I'm confused of why it's there in the first place. Perhaps when I'm done rebuilding the transmission and reinstalling it. I will get down there with a torque wrench and measure the resistance with and without.

Merc225hp · Jan 22, 2016

If you take the cad out of play u are spinning all that crap, axle shaft, r&p driveshaft and all the internals of the xcase. If you think that does not take up mpg well......

This has been proven for years **** decades so nothing to dispute is there. And well i did it and so i know what's what.

BBartow · Jan 22, 2016

leffyritty said:
The transfer case will be in 2wd front shaft will spin with the front axle but not the transfer case just like in any other 4x4. I don't see how a front free turning complete front end. Will get any better mpg than one split in half. Which is why I'm confused of why it's there in the first place. Perhaps when I'm done rebuilding the transmission and reinstalling it. I will get down there with a torque wrench and measure the resistance with and without.

The spider and side gears spin. Ring, pinion, and front driveshaft sit. I don't understand what you're saying.

Noonie · Jan 27, 2016

I've got a question about my 97 ram 1500 sport...My 4wd stopped working and my actuators working..I can manually pull the shift collar over the axle,I guess it is...And bolt my actuator back on..It's still not in 4wd..Help plse..

MagSport · Jan 27, 2016

Noonie said:
I've got a question about my 97 ram 1500 sport...My 4wd stopped working and my actuators working..I can manually pull the shift collar over the axle,I guess it is...And bolt my actuator back on..It's still not in 4wd..Help plse..

Does the driveshaft spin when you pull the lever?

gmwilkes · Feb 2, 2016

NightMares said:
Cons are that the Ram trucks get horrible mileage as it is. Disconnecting the front axle shafts allows the front end to spin freely, exact same idea as having manual locking hubs, only you don't have to get out of the vehicle to engage the 4 wheel drive.

There are kits available that will bypass the setup, although they're pretty pricey for the outcome that you get.

I'm in the process of regearing my truck to 4.88's and rather than put the CAD back in, I'll be doing the Posi-Lok. Replaces everything vacuum with mechanical cables.

I have the posi lok in my truck and love it.

BBartow · Feb 2, 2016

gmwilkes said:
I have the posi lok in my truck and love it.

One of the few

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gmwilkes · Feb 3, 2016

Why so? It locks and unlocks without a problem, just have to shift the truck into reverse and it takes the pressure off to shift out. Never had a problem once I put that on.

1996 dodge ram 1500 5,9l 46re 4x4 actuator and axle questions

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