2003 four wheel drive

[Boneyard51]

I would like to shift my 3500 into low range without engaging the front axle. Mainly for backing trailers. What is the best way to do this? Thanks in advance , Bones

 

[392DevilDog]

You can not with the 3rd Gen trucks. There is no CAD to control.

You can do this with 2nd Gen trucks and 2013 and newer 4th Gen HDs.

Unless you want to swap front axles

 

[392DevilDog]

On my 99 I did the posi lok. I liked it for awhile...but realized I preferred known 4x4 over control and just locked it. Dodge changed the 3rd Gen to a full axle as so many people hated the vacuum control. In 2013 they went to an electric CAD to get 1 mpg.

The 1st gen trucks used a CAD also. But they axle ratings would be too low to do a swap.

My suggestion would be to find a 99 to 01 3500 and swap the front axle

I am not sure...but i actually think the 02 3500 got rid of the CAD also...but not sure.

 

[Boneyard51]

What shifts the front axle into gear on a 2003?
Bones

 

[392DevilDog]

It is always turning.

Just disengaged from the transfer case. At the driveshaft. When selecting 4x4 the transfer case locks to the front driveshaft.

 

[392DevilDog]

You could always unhook the driveshaft. But then you got to out it back in for 4x4

 

[Boneyard51]

Bummer! So much for that idea! I used to shift my 1979 Ford with lock outs all the time into four wheel drive low and keep my lock outs out for low gear trailer backing! So much for progress! Bones

 

[392DevilDog]

Well. You could swap out the hubs also. To lock in lock out hubs.

They make kits for doing this. Some people habe swapped Ford hubs over.

People can hardly be bothered to push a button for 4x4. I can only imagine if they made you remember to lock in the hubs.

 

[Boneyard51]

Thanks, guys! I was hoping for an electric or vacuum switch type of modification. We will just live with it as is!





Bones