1997 Expedition front axle vacuum actuator

[Bowesmobile]

Quick question. On the front axle vacuum actuator for the four wheel drive. What position is locked for the front axle? As in the shafts are connected to run four wheel drive. I think my actuator is stuck in four wheel drive and causing my MPG drop.

 

[tonydiv]

It is engaged when the lever is pulled toward the passenger side.

What can happen is that the steel lever for the disconnect can corrode where it goes through the aluminum axle housing. Once you remove the vacuum actuator, you can usually free it up by spraying it with PB Blaster and moving the lever back and forth. It is easier to move the lever if you have the front tires off the ground.


I replaced my center axle disconnect actuator with a 4x4 posi lok cable system. That way you know for certain that it is locked in (or not)

 

[Bowesmobile]

Thanks Tony! I wanted to do a quick inspection to see which way it was actuated. I've lost a couple miles er gallon and I'm trying to track it down.

 

[98eb5.4]

I replaced my center axle disconnect actuator with a 4x4 posi lok cable system. That way you know for certain that it is locked in (or not)

maybe i should/will start a fresh thread, any easy available info out there on the "posi lok cable system"?

 

[tonydiv]

4x4 Posi-Lok - 4WD Engagement Systems

 

[Lightnig]

4x4 Posi-Lok - 4WD Engagement Systems

Mine is on the way, hoping it arrives tomorrow so I can do mine this weekend...

 

[tonydiv]

You may need to do a little 'massaging' of that mount flange on the axle to make the Posi lok housing fit correctly. A flat file and a round file will help.

Otherwise, the install should be a breeze. (just don't forget to put that little boot on the end before you finish the install.

Once it's installed, you can now put it in to 2Lo. Perhaps not very useful, but cool.

 

[omegalita]

Does the A4WD with a installed PosiLock still working?

 

[tonydiv]

No it doesn't. By adding the Posi Lok, you're turning it in to a manual system.