Hi all,
First post here, although I have poked around here for awhile. Great site.
I have an 03 Ram 2500HD, has 55,000 miles, I am the second owner. This has been a great truck. I have a 57 Dodge power Wagon that I haul to Rallys with this truck. Power Wagon and trailer and assorted gear weigh in at 9,500 or more pounds, she handles it like a dream, although that hemi does get thirsty!
Anyway, my question is regarding locking hubs. To engage 4 wheel drive, one simply pulls the shifter on the floor back one notch, instant 4 wheel drive. Is it simply engaging the transfer case, or is it simultaneously locking the front hubs? (I have had other vehicles with vacuum powered locking hubs) If the hubs are constantly engaged, is anyone making manual lockouts? (Warn, Mile marker etc?)
Thanks in advance,
Tim

First off, Check these guys out for the hub conversion kit.

http://www.emsoffroad.com/products/hubconvert.htm

Dynatrac also makes a complete conversion kit. It is a little pricey but the quality is worth every penny.

To answer the questions...your 2500 does not have locking hubs or a CAD system. When you pull back on the 4x4 lever you are simply engaging 4hi in the transfer case. The front axle is engaged 100% of the time.

The EMS Offroad and Dynatrac kits replace the hub unit bearing with a spindle and standard wheel bearings and include manual lockout hubs.

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the answers. At the price for the hubs, I think I will wait until I need to replace the factory hubs and put that money into the conversion.
They say that a 2 MPG savings should be realised. At that rate, figuring 25,000 miles a year at 12mpg, a boost of 2 MPG will save 300 gallons a year. At the current price we are paying in Vermont of $3.30 gallon that is just a hair under a thousand.
Lots of good food for thought.
Anyone know anyone who has actually done the conversion?
Tim

quote:

Anyone know anyone who has actually done the conversion?

Don't know anyone personally. I've seen people post pics of their trucks with the conversion but that was on a Dodge Cummins forum.