1997 F150 4x4 with the manual transfer case lever.

Is it possible to setup the system to run 2 low at at? I have heard about vaccum actuated, so by running a valve on that line and relocating it within the cab, would that work?

 

it IS possible. i got the instructions on this board from a guy who did it. i haven't done it yet. i was interested because reverse is so damn fast in these things (i have a 5 speed). don't have the instructions on me right now.

 

let me know if you find them. would be nice to have on the boat ramps

Thanks!

 

Think about this really thoroughly before you try this.

Can you imagine what would happen to the rear drivetrain if you hit the gas too much with only the rear wheels being driven in Low Range? Especially with a boat behind the truck? If the tires don't slip, the strain on the rear end will be immense. I have seen people snap their rear axles when they forgot to lock their front hubs. It ain't a pretty sight.

Why be afraid to drive in 4x4 mode on a boat ramp? The drivetrain on Fords are tough enough to be driven, even with the steering wheel hard over, at low speeds on dry pavement at a boat ramp. Besides, it's such a simple thing to just flip it out of 4L and into 2H at the top of the ramp. When backing down the ramp, it's better for you to be in 4H anyway. In 4L, engine torque can get you into trouble. In fact, backing down the ramp with your tranny in neutral is even easier on the truck.

Commercial charterboat operators launch and retrieve their boats in 4L on a daily basis here.

Of course, knowing Matt, he'll probably say something contrary to what I'm saying. He obviously doesn't think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to 4 wheeling, trucks, boats, politics, etc.

 

Matt,

Splice into wires to the solenoid with the blue vacuum line. A simple toggle switch will do.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

While we're in the "just-cuz-it-can-be-done" department, you can also make your truck into a front-wheel drive vehicle by removing the rear driveshaft.

Like the suggestion at the start of the thread, I dunno why you'd want to do it, but you could...

 

because it is less strain on the clutch and the boat ramp we got to is steep all the way past the parking lots. That is why I want to do it. Leave it in 4wd and start wraping the front raxles up pretty good. And to to from 4Lo to 2hi you have to stop and put the truck in neutral. That does not help forward momentum.

Thanks JMC. sounds easier than expected. Found the solenoids at the passenger side firewall. So I have a 4 wires there. Red & white/black on blue vaccum hose line.

How do you splice into them? Just cut one, install the switch? or run the switch between both wires?

Thanks

 

Matt,

The White/Light Blue wire is hot in the run position. and the red wire goes back to the GEM to be grounded. Put a toggle switch in series on the red wire. When the toggle is open the solenoid will never engage keeping the axle in 4x2 mode.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Thanks! off to radio shack I go

 

Ah, a stick shift. Better not pop that clutch when you're in Low Range 4x2 mode. There's a tremendous amount of torque going to just the rear drive train.

Sounds like Matt has bought the wrong truck to tow a boat. He either should have gotten it with an auto tranny or got a SuperDuty with a stick.

 

no dennis. It is a 2000# boat. you dont need a diesel superduty to tow that.

Autos, yeah what ever. Not an option

 

We're doing this whole discussion for a 2,000 lb boat??? You could pull that thing with a Pinto!

 

Matt,

I just realized something in your post. You may have to add a switch to activate the axle disconnect if you are already in 4x4 Lo when you flip the toggle switch. The way I have it set is that it will not engage the front axle. There is no gurantee that it will disconnect it once the axle is engaged, only adding vacuum to the disconnect will disengage it for sure.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

You could, but you dont want the gas tank to explode or have a wet dog in the back of a pinto!

You have not seen the boat ramps at the lake I visit. Very steep, about a 8% grade all the way from entrance to ramp. Just less wear on the clutch by gearing down since I did not spend the money to regear the truck with larger tires.


JMC, thanks. I dont think I will wory about that to much, but good to know.

 

i think what you're trying to accomplish makes sense matt. i have a 5 speed also. but my motivation is that reverse gear is way too damn fast. it is a higher ratio than first gear i believe. so for me, it is a way to back up slowly without abusing the clutch; sometimes it is because of a load, or tight quarters, or whatever.