Rotary FR/RR diff lock switch

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

It's my understanding that he's swapping the entire axle -- intact. Correct?

Yes, your understanding is right and that is absolutely correct. We will be swapping axle per axle, meaning the whole front and rear axles, from non-lock to lock and vice versa. From rotors to rotors, end to end. The only thing not included are calipers and brake pads. I have to replace my brakes anyway with OEM rotors and 100 series pads up front and OEM rotors with 80 series pad back rear. Front and rear driveshafts not included, just the whole axles.

That is the plan unless he change his mind.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Originally posted by MoJ
It's not a grey 80 is it? Was just thinking if he was that stupid maybe he would swap me out for my faded hood.....

No it is not grey but his is burgundy with no roof rack and it has a rear wind deflector.

 

[Beowulf]

Noel,

You are in for a lot of work over those 3 days. I don't think I could get it done in that time but I work like an old grandma.

How pi$$ed is this guy going to be if you take a week or two? You can count on something going wrong with that much bolting and unbolting so be prepared. There is one harness that you can't (easily) move between the 2 trucks. You will need to duplicate that one. See cruiserdan's past posts on axle swaps.

Soak those lower shock bolts in PB Blaster for as long as you can before starting.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

-B-

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Originally posted by Beowulf
You are in for a lot of work over those 3 days. I don't think I could get it done in that time but I work like an old grandma.

This will be the busiest and stressies three days of my life, if this swap will take place.

The harness your talking about is the harness that is 14 feet long which Cdan made for his rig. Can I just yank the one from the donor truck? If I can't take it off and if I run out of time then I have no choice but to make one like what Cdan did.

I'll keep you guys posted. Damn this thing is overwhelming, I'm stoked and up for the challenge.

Back to the title of this thread, anybody kind enough to take a snapshot of their rotary diff lock switch at the tail end to see if there is a plug or connector at the end. TIA.

 

[Beowulf]

Pulling 14' of wiring harness out of the guts of a vehicle is a lot easier said than done. You probably need to plan to make that one.

-B-

 

[NorCalDoug]

Might I suggest making all necessary harness parts BEFORE dismantling? Have everything you need prepped and ready.

Make a punch list of everything you need to do so you don't forget a step during the process.
The punch list will help you organize the steps required -- what to do first, second, third, etc. Map everything out before you loosen the first bolt. You'll be happy that you did.

(just the project manager in me coming out...)

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Thanks B and Doug, I will follow your suggestions. Organize everything first before digging into the project.

Now, is there a connector or plug at the end of this switch or just plain cut wires?

 

[cruiserdan]

The connector for that switch already exists in the cowl harness as well as the one in the RH side for the computer that controls the diff lock actuation. The instrument panel has the spots for the indicator lamps present. The forward harness has the plug for the front differential harness. The cowl harness has the wires present for the rear diff lock. The floor harness and the rear axle harness DO NOT have the wires present.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Cdan,

I took all the notes from you. Is there anything else I need to tackle this task? Thanks for the info and tips though

You will need to swap:
Front axle
Rear axle.
Wiring from front axle to cowl.
Wiring from rear axle/ABS to LH quarter panel.
Floor harness from LH quarter panel to LH kick panel.
Diff lock switch.
Diff lock ECU from RH kick panel.
Indicator lights for instrument panel


The ECU and the rotary switch will plug into pre-existing receptacles in the cowl harness.
The indicators in the dash are also present. You need to pull the instrument cluster and add the indicator bulbs to the pre-existing holes in the circuit board. The front axle wiring is also plug in. You need to get a front axle wiring harness. This will plug into the actuator and then make the trip up to the firewall where it plugs into the cowl harness near the antenna plug.
The rear axle is a bit more challenging. You will need a diff-lock rear axle housing harness that will replace the ABS-only setup with one that is ABS AND difflock. This harness terminates at the left quarter. To be true plug and play you will also need a complete floor wiring harness. (big money). You can build a 5-wire harness of your own and run it along the existing floor harness. This is what I did. It is 14 feet long and is terminated on the front end with OEM harness repair splices that fit into the un-used cavities of the floor wire harness side of the connector that mates the floor harness to the cowl harness

 

[IdahoDoug]

Wow, and I thought I was the only wack job nutty enough to try something like this. When I was 17, I had a '68 Thunderbird that had every available option except one - the fiber optic taillamp monitor in the package tray. Extremely rare option. Incredibly, I found a car in a parking lot one day and talked the owner into selling me the system and letting me swap package trays.

The big day arrived. After a couple hours I had her car apart and she was getting nervous. Pretty soon her son arrived with a scowl, watching my every move and chain smoking. Soon, a male friend arrived and started complaining that I was not putting her car together right (I was). Turned into a clusteryouknowwhat and I left with the parts jammed into my trunk and swore it was about the most stupid thing I'd ever done. I successfully installed it into my vehicle, but it was a pain.

I think you're asking for serious trouble here. Don't get me wrong, we'll talk about this for years here on the board if you pull it off. I just think if the objective is to get a locked 80 this is about as difficult a way to do it I can imagine. I hope the guy's got another car to drive. I hope he just lets you drive off with his rather than wanting to watch. And I hope you've got a bunch of wrench swingin' buds to give you a hand.

DougM

 

[Beowulf]

When I was 17 ...

Isn't if funny how the most incredible stories start with those 4 words? Can we hi-jack this thread or should we start a new one? FYI, I try to stay out of Chat so keep it Tech if you can.



-B-