Front Axle Actuator Replacement

[rlhenry]

Has anyone tried one of these?

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1319874

I think I'd prefer this over the replacement actuator, but I'm not sure how it compares to the cable-operated replacement. According to the instructions, 80% of the front drivetrain components are in motion when driving anyway, so installation of this part puts the front drive line in motion as well as the diff to some degree.

Anyone see any long-term problems? This truck does get used on the road, but it's not a daily driver by any means. Maybe 5k miles per year if even that.

 

[496truck]

What kind of vehicle are you talking about here? Certainly not a 73-91 solid axle truck, they don't have axle discos.

 

[rlhenry]

My apologies...forgot to include that info. It's a '91 K2500.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Get the 4x4Posi Lok or the electric replacement. The factory thermal setup BLOWS.

 

[85k5dsl]

I vote for the factory electric unit. The thermal unit in my Suburban 2500 went south and I replaced it with the electric unit, very easy to swap.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Whats the difference in the thermal and electric setup. I wired my 96 up to a toggle switch.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Thermal has this heat activated doodad that moves the actuator. Slow, slower in cold weather, and overly complicated.

Electric just is electric and moves as soon as you put it in 4x4.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

How does one tell the difference just by looking at them.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Not sure on that.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

I think i have a thermal one n my truck. Takes a few for it to engage.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Ok done a quick search. Looks like the electric one has a 5 pin plug where the thermal has a 2 pin plug.

Seems some of the 98 up trucks had the electric factory.

A buddy of mine has a 99 3/4ton OBS that has the electric in it.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Yours sounds like thermal to me. Sounds like the thermal my '92 had.

 

[dhcomp]

Whats the difference in the thermal and electric setup. I wired my 96 up to a toggle switch.

Why the toggle? The only reason i can see is 2wd low.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Had problems with the switch on the t-case itself.

 

[bronc3buster842001]

Little update... Finally had to change my stock one out...Put the electric version in and it takes all of 5 secs for it to engage... Ill never go back to the crappy thermal setup....