Installing 4x4 Posi-Lock Front Axle Engage Cable - Part 1

Hey guys,
so this week's pair of videos involve the installation of the 4x4 Posi-Lock Manual Front Axle Engage Cable kit that Greg installed in his 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 last January (note: this is a different Truck than the 1995 project we introduced in the previous video). Part 1 is extremely heavy on discussion about the issues Greg has with his axle and why he purchased the kit and Part 2 will finish up the installation. While there may be some minor differences for each brand, this tutorial should apply for pretty much any truck that has this kit
In a off-roading special we're planning to film later this year we'll be able to properly review how the kit works in a real world test case so stay tuned to the channel for that! We have linked below 4x4 Posi-Lock's official website, as Greg says, there are kits for trucks by other brands including Ford, GM, and Jeep products, and we have also put a link to Amazon below for the exact kit seen in the video.
Disclaimer: We are not sponsored by the brand and the kit was purchased at our own expense.
Amazon link to the kit used: www.amazon.ca/...
4x4 Posi-Lock Website: 4x4posi-lok.ca/
We will have more technical details on the video at our website at some point in the future. Greg, the assigned author for this article, is busy with work and filming multiple GB Productions videos for later this year.
Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment! And visit our website @ www.gbproducti... for more content! Thank you so much for watching!
Production Code: 2021-024, Installing 4x4 Posi-Lock Front Axle Engage Cable - Part 1 - Filmed On January 2nd, 2021. Please see credits at end of video for more production info.

[@pakkelly]

Excellent explanation of the installation and also the fork positioning to achieve 4wd. I am headed for part two.😃

[@GBProductions0]

Thanks very much!
Hope it was helpful!
Greg

[@joepinto509]

I'm putting that button on my 4 wheel shifter..give it a NOS looks but more practical to put it on that shifter so you engage that first then shift into 4 wheel drive

[@GBProductions0]

Yeah, that would look good. As long as there is enough freedom of movement from the cable to allow the shifter to move into position.
Thanks for the comment!
Greg

[@cheddardavis5818]

I put this in my 96 Cummins and it engages fine but it’s a pain in the ass to get out of 4x4 , I have to spin the knob while crawling lol

[@GBProductions0]

Hi there,
Yes, I found that it's a pain to get out of 4x4 sometimes as well.
I found for mine the best way to do it was to always engage the axle first, and then switch the transfer case. Then when coming out of 4x4 always switch the transfer case first, then disengage the axle. I had the best luck with this method. And it did work better most times to be rolling just very slowly while engaging the axle.
Sometimes I would still have trouble with the axle lock cable, and usually moving the truck forward or backwards combined with a bit of steering each direction would realign the front shafts so the collar sleeve could move freely.
Thanks for the comment!
Greg

[@cheddardavis5818]

Thanks for the great reply , glad to know I’m not alone. I will certainly try your method , I had to drive all the way to work in 4x4 the other day lol. Still beats the vacuum though 😂

[@GBProductions0]

Right on! Yeah I've been stuck in 4x4 and had to drive a bit once or twice. But yes, certainly better than the vacuum diaphragm! Only thing I would like better is manual locking hubs like I had on my '70 PowerWagon.
Thanks!

[@turbonc]

Let's play a drinking game... everyone takes a shot when he says "uhh".

[@firebirdstephane]

There’s actually no power to any of the wheels unless both shafts are locked together, so even if you lock your transfer cases it’s won’t give power to one or the other wheels unless both shaft are locked together

[@GBProductions0]

Yes, that is correct because it is an open differential. I believe it may work if it were a limited slip differential, but I'm not 100% sure on that.
Thanks,
Greg

[@firebirdstephane]

@@GBProductions0 it would only work on a full lock differential

[@thatdodgeguy6019]

How long is that cable? And is it bendable?

[@GBProductions0]

Mitchell: Based on the video, the cable is at least somewhat bendable. Obviously the more bends you put in the cable the harder it'll become to pull it out, and push it back in. As long as you don't go and kink the cable it should be fine with some slight bends. But even Greg in the video doesn't route it exactly straight because, at least for the 2nd gen Cummins, you have to route it around a bunch of parts as shown in the video. As for the length of the cable, I asked Greg and he said he didn't think it was written on the package. I would guess it's probably 5 or 6 feet long, it should be more than long enough for wherever you choose to mount it since the kit is specifically designed for the truck you have.

[@HassRanch]

What did you fo with the old vacuum lines? If you are using them do you just plug them at the pump?

[@alec4453]

@@HassRanch I was also wondering this as well.
After installation of the cable , do you block off the open ports for vacuum ?

[@HassRanch]

@@alec4453 i unhooked the vacuum line at the fire wall I believe it is white (if memory serves ) and used a cap there and removed all the vacuum lines goi g to the transfer case and capped that switch as well. Works great and would recommend. Easy install as well