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So I finally got around to trying to fix the 4wd engage in my truck.  For the past couple years I just had to pull it out and drain the vacuum actuator to get it going again, but this time the rod that slides the coupler over is bent.

 

I figure, no big deal, I will run over to oreilly's and get a new one.  I got there only to get the shock that they wanted $90 for the cheapo chinese one.  

 

A quick look online shows a couple for 60-70, but still.  

 

So question is do I bite the bullet and just replace the actuator or do I po the posi lock method for $159 ish?  I think jegs has one for 109 right now.  Anyone been here and done that? 

 

Nick

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I know everyone on CF.com is raving on how nice 2WD LO is. Myself I really don't care for a bunch of modified stuff in the truck. I just replaced it with a another vacuum motor. I so rarely even use the 4WD feature even in the winter time I'm hard pressed to pulling the lever in either truck. 

This is even this is 2WD HI time.

 

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Edited by Mopar1973Man

I just replaced my actuator... I mean it lasted this many years right?

The posi lock would be cool for reversing with trailers though. You'd effectively have a 2-low. I'm the opposite of Mike on this one. It's really nice when you have a short trailer (snowmobile) to back up slowly. On the other side if you're backing a monster gooseneck into a tight spot it's nice to be going slow. JMHO

  • Author

Well considering my taste won't go into 4 low, that's not a concern.

 

More so I am tired of messing with it, but you're right it lasted many years.  More so just the price of the thing is crazy.

On my old truck I had the vacuum chamber rot out on the actuator so I made my own posi-lock cable setup, I don't think I even spent $40 for all the parts.

I used a locking control cable from napa part # 731-1104

then I drilled and taped the actuator housing for a compression fitting that I ran the cable through, then I drilled another hole in the shift fork for the cable to go through with a cable lock on the back side. I also had to put a spring on the cable inside the housing so it would disengage when the cable was pushed back in.

I used to have pictures of it all but I can't seem to find them now.

Edited by bjytech

I know I'm cheap, but on the 01, I just straightened out the rod...  

Seems to me 2 whl low would be real handy when you need to back a trailer precisely, especially at night. I use 4lo quite often as I must back my trailer uphill on grass between 2 other vehicles. Was wondering if I could use air switch off of big truck to splice into vacuum lines, since my actuator is still good. I think pac brake makes something like this. About same cost as posi lock iirc. 

  • Author

Well more to report.  I put it all back together not expecting anything, but I now have 4wd again.  I guess I am good to forget about this until the next time I need 4wd and can't engage it hahaha.

 

I think I will just keep it stock and replace the overpriced vacuum actuator.