Manual Front Diff Actuator?

[Mr. Leary]

I recently help a friend install a cable to engage or disengage the front diff on his YJ. Basically, this spring loaded cable replaces the vacuum driven actuator's functionality, although we retained it during the install for the sake of system redundency.

My question to you, o wise ones of the runners... has anyone done this on a 3rd gen? Is there a writeup anywhere?

I desire to put my transfer case in low range without engaging my front axle. I do not wish to do a manual hub conversion, nor do I wish to install any sort of additional reduction gear or second transfer case.

 

[Singtoe]

Simple. Put in a manual switch at your VSV valves on the drivers fender. If you want to use 2 lo, flip the switch to disconnect the Electric to the VSV valves.

You can also interrupt the control at the relay. It is located under the passenger side kick panel.

It might cost you $10 for a switch and some wire.

 

[J-money$$$]

I figured you could do this for those with full time lockers in the front end. For instance if i was in 4lo and turning and my front end starts binding i could manually disconnect the add, which in turn disconnects the passenger side cv from the diff, (not really the cv, but the stub shaft) So i could disconnect the add and then be in 3 wheel drive since the t-case is spinning the front output in 4 lo and the front aussie locker keeps the drivers side always turning.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Excellent. Thanks for the info.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I assume that the page you referenced is from the service manual, Singtoe?

Is it an actual relay or is it an internalized logic chip? All I see is a large wire bus coming out of the computer. (If its a booger to find out, don't bother spending too much time on this... I'm just trying to avoid chasing wires cuz its kinda a PITA when you are color blind).

I'm thinking this project might fit in nicely with my computer relocation.

 

[brian2sun]

I figured you could do this for those with full time lockers in the front end. For instance if i was in 4lo and turning and my front end starts binding i could manually disconnect the add, which in turn disconnects the passenger side cv from the diff, (not really the cv, but the stub shaft) So i could disconnect the add and then be in 3 wheel drive since the t-case is spinning the front output in 4 lo and the front aussie locker keeps the drivers side always turning.

My neighbor Tony (who you've met down at KOH) is spooled up front in his Wrangler and he unlocks just one hub when it's patchy snow conditions. So when he's in the snow, he still has 3wd, but when he's on pavement, at least the 2 front tires aren't binding up his diff. He says it works awesome.

Basically the same idea - we'd just use the ADD defeat switch to disconnect the stub shaft as opposed to him unlocking a hub. Difference is, we could do it from the cab and he has to get out.

 

[J-money$$$]

My neighbor Tony (who you've met down at KOH) is spooled up front in his Wrangler and he unlocks just one hub when it's patchy snow conditions. So when he's in the snow, he still has 3wd, but when he's on pavement, at least the 2 front tires aren't binding up his diff. He says it works awesome.

Basically the same idea - we'd just use the ADD defeat switch to disconnect the stub shaft as opposed to him unlocking a hub. Difference is, we could do it from the cab and he has to get out.

Exactly. My aussie doesnt really unlock too much so its almost a spool..... I think it would work great. I already have a blank factory switch. I may have to give this a shot. THen i dont think I will be so sketchy in snow if I have to drive on some snowy roads. And maybe I can save a few cv joints in the process

 

[brian2sun]

Well, since it can be done so easily, I might do it too just so I could have 2LO like Leary wants. My problem is I'm running out of spots for switches with dual ARBs and 2 sets of off road lights. Maybe I'll just hook it up to a "Clapper".

 

[J-money$$$]

I will have 3 lo I have to check into this

 

[Mr. Leary]

If and when I eventually get around to this, I will post a how to writeup. This project will probably wait until winter as I'm in no rush.

 

[Singtoe]

I assume that the page you referenced is from the service manual, Singtoe?

Is it an actual relay or is it an internalized logic chip? All I see is a large wire bus coming out of the computer. (If its a booger to find out, don't bother spending too much time on this... I'm just trying to avoid chasing wires cuz its kinda a PITA when you are color blind).

I'm thinking this project might fit in nicely with my computer relocation.

Yes right from the FSM.

The relay is in the passenger side kick panel. No computerized logic chips. It looks just as the diagram. The Newer 4runners (01 and 02) don't use vacuum servos, the use electric actuator. They are hook up to a 4x4 ECU. So they will have the logic chip. Still easy to bypass. Just put a on/off switch at the actuator to prevent it from actuating- locking the A.D.D..

 

[mien4x4]

anyone ever get it done realy want to do this mod n wants some input on it thanks

 

[mien4x4]

Simple. Put in a manual switch at your VSV valves on the drivers fender. If you want to use 2 lo, flip the switch to disconnect the Electric to the VSV valves.

You can also interrupt the control at the relay. It is located under the passenger side kick panel.

It might cost you $10 for a switch and some wire.

hey did you ever do this mod?

 

[Singtoe]

hey did you ever do this mod?

Yes and no. I have manual hubs. So mine is more of a mechanical mod then an electric.

 

[mien4x4]

ok I see I am too gona be putin manual hubs on but I also locked up my frnt diff so i was thinking like jmoney said I would be able to use 3lo with this mod correct?

 

[Doc2012]

ok I see I am too gona be putin manual hubs on but I also locked up my frnt diff so i was thinking like jmoney said I would be able to use 3lo with this mod correct?

Dude, if you're putting manual hubs on, why do you need to do this mod?

If you take the actuator off of the passenger tube, you can lock the actuator into being a "Manual" diff. Or just swap out the jack shaft.

Look at my mod thread in my signature to get a clear idea what i'm talking about.

 

[mien4x4]

Dude, if you're putting manual hubs on, why do you need to do this mod?

If you take the actuator off of the passenger tube, you can lock the actuator into being a "Manual" diff. Or just swap out the jack shaft.

Look at my mod thread in my signature to get a clear idea what i'm talking about.

thanks Doc but i saw yyour build on that but i want this mod so i can jus do it with a switch insted of unlockin the hubs