The Frankenstein Build! LT/Expo/Trail rig..and BS

Hey Monte, I'm checking my front locker operation and it's looking like it isn't engaging.

I have the front end jacked up, 4WD engaged, and getting the expected open diff opposite tire rotation with the locker switch off. But when I turn the switch on with the Ox regulator open, there's no change. I am hearing something from the solenoid that sounds to me like it's working, but I have no idea what the actual locker sounds like when it locks up. Any ideas?

 

Have you checked that your ADD is working?

 

Good point, Zane. I got my 4WD light and figured all was well.

 

And wouldn't one wheel spin independently of the other (not in opposite directions) if my ADD wasn't working?

Sorry if I'm derping it up here and missing something obvious...

 

Yeah you could spin them independent if it wasn't. If they're spinning opposite directions the ADD must be engaging because the spider assemble is turning.

 

Yeah, that's what I thought. So the locker isn't engaging... Well crap.

Thanks for the help, though!

 

yeah one wheel wouldn't spin if the ADD didn't work.

That said, did you swap over the ADD plug from your OEM diff to the ECGS one? Id hope so..

Next is check the wiring of the solenoid. Also the gauge of the CO2 should read. If the solenoid is working right when you DISengage the locker you should here it vent off some CO2 like a blow off valve.

Next make sure your air line isn't compromised anywhere and leaking.

 

I'm pretty positive that I swapped over the ADD stuff along with the stub shaft.

The wiring of the solenoid could be the problem. I just pulled the line to the diff of of the solenoid and when I turn the locker switch on, there's no gas discharge at all. I'm betting it's wired backward, since the polarity of the coil wired in the solenoid dictate the direction of current flow. Can you verify which one is positive and which is ground?

Thanks again, brother. I'm scrambling like an idiot trying to get things ready for RT.

 

I don't think the polarity of the solenoid matters.

Also, the only time you could hear the discharge is when you turn the locker off and it releases pressure. Makes zero noise when you turn it on.

 

Pull the line off somewhere and switch it on and off and see if the gas is coming out of the line

 

This VV

It does matter but it might just be On when your switch is Off.

Like brett said though, you can only hear it discharge when you click the switch off.

Id check for leaks though. I know it hard to tell with the CO2 as it quiet.

 

Just fast. Don't wanna blow all your CO2 out haha

 

No. It'll never be open if there's no current. I think it needs a constant supply to hold it open, it's not an on/off deal.

Still don't think polarity matters, hence two solid black wires.

 

I used some nice bullet connectors, so just went out and swapped them. Works either way, so polarity definitely doesn't matter.

 

Looking like it's the Ox regulator, fellas.

I pulled the fitting coming into the solenoid and flipped the switch and nothing. Shoulda been dumping CO2 like mad. (I tried that and then saw your post, @JBTacoma. Great minds!)

Pulled the tank, regulator and solenoid out of the truck, pulled the solenoid off of the regulator, and opened up the tank. Nothing.

 

Thanks for checking, Brett. Much appreciated.

Sorry for cluttering up your thread, Monte!

 

Well shoot. That sucks. Give me a call. Hopefully you'll have good luck. Or take it apart.

You're joking right? Haha as if you're adding clutter...haha no such thing here my man!

 

Fixed that shit, son!

Turns out the regulator was basically closed completely. I backed off the set screw, put a gauge on the output where he solenoid would be and walked it right onto 90-95psi.

Threw some blue loctite on the set screw, put the whole thing back in the truck and verified front locker actuation!

It was kinda funny because once I hit the switch neither front wheels would turn at all. Freaked myself out for a second until I remembered that in 4WD everything is connected front to back and the back wheels were still on the ground....

 

Awesome! Glad you got it figured out! And that it works! I need to go through my lil manifold i made. Leaks just a tiny bit. Another reason i like it just behind the seat. I can just turn on the regulator when i need it. Don't leave yours on either. I left mine on and my first 16oz of CO2 is gone haha

 

That was a big bullet that got dodged. I can stay on track with other things now.

Copy that on the CO2. I’ll leave it off except when I get to the trailhead.