Disable your 2nd gen CAD with wire ties... easy!!

[Cstoliker]

I finally decided to disable my Center Axle Disconnect (witch always fails and the worst times) and keep the front axle engaged all the time effectively making it a live front axle like on later models. This may not be the best way but it works. I found 3 wire ties were just about the right size to keep the actuator from retracting and disengaging the collar. It turns out my CAD and diaphragm worked fine and it was the vacuum valves that were defective. But by the time I discovered this I already had the CAD apart so I blocked both red vacuum lines & proceed with the plain to manually engage the CAD’s actuator.

What is the point of having a CAD or Hub locks? Why do manufactures go though so much trouble to make the front axle disengageable? The fuel economy savings must be minimal.

 

[gijoecam]

Does that give you any issues with the system not seeing the CAD disengage and blinking the lights at you?

Ford thought they would save some mileage by allowing the front diff and driveshaft to stop. They ditched the system in '07. I suspect part of it was the added noise and vibration due to the front driveshaft spinning. I know on my F150 (which is essentially a super-sized Explorer front drivetrain from 97-03), the added noise is quite noticeable. I suspect that when they went to the CV front output shaft in 97 and the single joint at the axle, it made it acceptably quiet enough to spin it all the time.

 

[RangRayy]

and when you have mud terrains on those completely drain out the noise of anything going on in the car.

 

[Cstoliker]

I have not noticed any real increase in noise. And even if I did, knowing I have 4wd when I need it would justify the sacrifice.