24 Valve 2nd Gen Dodge Cummins 98.5-02 Discussion of 24 Valve 5.9 Liter Dodge Cummins Diesels with VP44 Injection Pumps
Sponsored by Trailer Plus

4x4 Acuator Question

  #1  
Old 02-08-2013, 04:15 PM
Jazz's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 8,658
Received 504 Likes on 412 Posts
Default 4x4 Acuator Question

Hey does any one know how many lbs of vacuum it takes to activate the 4x4 actuator? The reason I ask is my seal is going bad between the power steering and vacuum pump and I have the kit to repair but just haven't had the time yet. Anyways yesterday when I went to use 4wd I had none. Thought it could be because of lack of vacuum but it had been working. Also I get no 4x4 light on the dash. Shouldn't the light still come on? Maybe it's the actuator itself. Any ideas on this. I know the seal needs to be done but I'm waiting for a little nicer weather. I really need 4wd with a dually unless I carry a couple thousand lbs. in the bed.
 
  #2  
Old 02-08-2013, 05:12 PM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

quick down and dirty test, pull the actuator , KOEO, and shift to 4wd, if the fork moves
actuator is fine, , they are prone to corrosion and if they get water inside it could be a exspensive repair
for the light, ground the two teminals and light should illuminate, if not check the cluster bulb
 
  #3  
Old 02-08-2013, 05:16 PM
Bryce's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Carl Junction, MO
Posts: 403
Received 28 Likes on 26 Posts
Default

I don't know how much vacuum it takes but the 4x4 light won't come on until the fork in the acuator moves. You might take a look at the acuator to make sure the vacuum line and the wires for the light are hooked up.
 
  #4  
Old 02-08-2013, 05:19 PM
Jazz's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 8,658
Received 504 Likes on 412 Posts
Default

Vacuum lines all looked good and wires seem to be good. My guess is actuator. Anyone ever try a 4x4 posi lock 4x4 Posi-Lok Positive Axle Engagement System for Dodge 4x4s

Love your status Bryce
 
  #5  
Old 02-08-2013, 05:32 PM
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

im a big fan of keeping things as stock as possible , but this kits looks like a cool idea
 
  #6  
Old 02-08-2013, 06:59 PM
Jazz's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 8,658
Received 504 Likes on 412 Posts
Default

I kind of thought the same thing. Just wondering if anyone here has tried it or knows of someone who has
 
  #7  
Old 02-08-2013, 09:03 PM
diesel pap's Avatar
Site Sponsor - Mighty Diesel
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 4,184
Received 213 Likes on 200 Posts
Default

the hillbilly fix is to remove the fork and center the piece where it is suppose to be in 4wd. then tack on each axle so it cant move. it will be in place every time you need it. only down side to this is the tack weld on the axle if you are removing them to put joints in.
 
  #8  
Old 02-09-2013, 08:57 AM
Ed ke6bnl's Avatar
Diesel Fan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 80
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

do a youtube search there is a simple cable attachment to make that will make it manual from the cab. I got all the parts and and extra CAD but have not done it yet.
 
  #9  
Old 02-10-2013, 08:19 AM
chadcycle 2500's Avatar
Diesel Enthusiast
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chadwicks,N.Y.
Posts: 269
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

get a vacume hand pump,goto the actuator one line is to engage the other is to disengage,jack up one front wheel,put vacum on each line,it should (a) hold vacum (b) move shiftfork/collar. The reason for jacking up the wheel is to move it a little to make sure the splines on the collar&axle engage.The light switch is at the actuator,so when itgoes into 4wd then makes contact. Does the heater control work,If that works right I'd think the 4wd should. Get a vacum gage & check the vacum atthe pump,mine leaked and every thing worked.The valve for the 4wd is on top of transfer case.hope thishelps
 
  #10  
Old 02-10-2013, 08:33 AM
Jazz's Avatar
Diesel Bomber
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 8,658
Received 504 Likes on 412 Posts
Default

Yes heater controls work. That's why I was wondering how many lbs of vacuum it took to activate the actuator. I know the heater controls work off vacuum also but thought maybe it took more for the actuator. I think the actuator just went out. Plain and simple. I think I'm going to look into that posi lock some more. I kind of like that idea. I really like the idea of having a 2 low also. That could come in very handy with backing some heavy trailers on hard surfaces
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: 4x4 Acuator Question



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:48 PM.