Front Axle

[StNick]

I have a 94 Ram 2500,Cummins/5 speed. Dodge had automatic hub locking that series. This truck has been converted to a remote cable lock system. I have two problems. One, there is fluid leaking from the front axle. I have been told the front axle seal needs to be replaced. How hard is this to do? I have been adding fluid often until I can get it fixed. Two, what would be involved in changing this hub locking system to the reliable outside locking hubs (Warn, etc). I have had several 4x4 vehicles and have never had a problem with locking hubs. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Matt Bell]

Is it the original axle? I thought they were cad for all gen 2.

 

[StNick]

Unfortunately, I only suspect the front axle is original. I bought the truck last year. Also, what does CAD mean (sorry, as a former computer geek, cad means computer aided design. Originally the truck had an automatic locking system (for people too lazy to get out and lock the hubs), but someone installed a system that locks the hubs by pulling on a cable under the dash. I have the info on it at our other house. It's called 4x4 Posi-Lok)

 

[392DevilDog]

Center Axle Disconnect.

The posi lok replaced the vacuum actuator.

I permanently locked mine.

Now I just pull the lever.

Hubs make no sense to me. But everyone has there needs.

 

[Matt Bell]

Devil what did you do to permanently lock? I don’t really see much of a point of having cad.

 

[392DevilDog]

You can buy the lock kit from posi lok or you can flip the eclips

Basically you position the fork to be engaged snd move the eclips to keep the fork there. I removed the vacuum bulb and the lines.

The internet has many descriptions of how to do it.

It is very easy and less work than the posi lol cable install.

I disconnected the 4x4 light also. I do nit need reminding I am in 4wd...the truck tells you pretty quick.

@Matt Bell If you need further help let me know and I will describe exactly how to do it.

 

[Matt Bell]

Thanks. It’s not high on the priority list of things I need to do, but I’d like to at some point. The light was another thing I was curious about.

 

[392DevilDog]

Thanks. It’s not high on the priority list of things I need to do, but I’d like to at some point. The light was another thing I was curious about.

Once you engage the CAD the 4x4 light will always be on. As it is what completes the shift.

So I just unhooked it.

Also. I drive all types of terrain and no issues with it being locked.

Ultimately it is what RAM went to for the 3rd gen and the start of the 4th Gen...until 2013 when they brought back the CAD. This time with electric disconnect instead of vacuum.