The "Two-Low" mod

[WATRD]

Allows the use of low range on the transfer case without engaging the "Automatic Disconnecting Differential" or "ADD" for four-wheel drive.

http://www.wattora.com/mods/twolow/

Applicable to "push button" 4x4 models.

Edit: Fixing the broken link

[gtrguy13]

Will your front driveshaft still spin when its in 2Lo then? Im guessing that it will, it just wont engage the hubs. How long have you ran this and does it work well?

[WATRD]

That's the beauty of this mod, the front driveshaft *doesn't* spin. I ran this mod for a year before the axle swap and have been running is ever since. It's especially nice after the swap because I have an automatic locker in the front, so when it's grumpy and doesn't want to let my steer, I can just press the button and with the loss of power to the front axle, I get my steering back :)

[gtrguy13]

awesome, thanks man...

[halfxspaid]

did you get mud in your headlight from that mud run in your pics? Cool rig nig.

[gtrguy13]

did you get mud in your headlight from that mud run in your pics? Cool rig nig.
me or watrd? if me then nope not at all...

[JaresTaco]

Anything like this for us Manual T-Case people, or I do I need a twin-stick
Thanks, :)

[Super Doody]

Will the lockers still engage in 2 lo? Its kinda like the free alarm mod. I love cheap mods.

[WATRD]

Will the lockers still engage in 2 lo? Its kinda like the free alarm mod. I love cheap mods.
Yes. This is transparent to lockers, TRD locker included, if you have already done the "gray wire" locker mod.

[TacomaNova]

Allows the use of low range on the transfer case without engaging the "Automatic Disconnecting Differential" or "ADD" for four-wheel drive.

http://www.wattora.com/mods/twolow/

Applicable to "push button" 4x4 models.

i used that on my friends truck , it worked very well, thanks

[platform389]

Allows the use of low range on the transfer case without engaging the "Automatic Disconnecting Differential" or "ADD" for four-wheel drive.

OK, were the kittens the installation crew for this mod on your truck...?

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/aahmed/biggrin.gif

[WATRD]

OK, were the kittens the installation crew for this mod on your truck...?

http://instagiber.net/smiliesdotcom/contrib/aahmed/biggrin.gif
Yes! And they were a big help. Well, except for the one that got into the starting fluid early in the day. It was down hill from there for him... ;)

[Matt]

Allows the use of low range on the transfer case without engaging the "Automatic Disconnecting Differential" or "ADD" for four-wheel drive.

http://www.wattora.com/mods/twolow/

Applicable to "push button" 4x4 models.

Someone asked if this would work for a manual in an earlier post so now I'm confused a little. I have the same year truck as you just the manual 5-speed transmission.

It looks like it would work for me since i have the push button 4-hi, 4-lo, 2hi stick. But just want to make sure before I go out there and mess around with it. Thanks WATRD!

[WATRD]

He was talking about the non-push button xfer cases, not the tranny.

As far as I am aware, this mod will work for any Tacoma with the push-button 4x4 system, regardless of the tranny type.

There is another mod for two-low on non-push button 4x4 Tacoma's, but I am having a heck of a time finding the write up for it anywhere.

[WATRD]

Anything like this for us Manual T-Case people, or I do I need a twin-stick
Thanks, :)
Sorry about the late reply, I am still getting used to the new board and skipped right by your post. There is a mod that works for the manual tcase rigs, but I am having a heck of a time finding a write up for it. If I recall correctly, the connector was on the other side of the tranny.

[Matt]

He was talking about the non-push button xfer cases, not the tranny.

As far as I am aware, this mod will work for any Tacoma with the push-button 4x4 system, regardless of the tranny type.

There is another mod for two-low on non-push button 4x4 Tacoma's, but I am having a heck of a time finding the write up for it anywhere.

Okay, that makes sense to me. It's too easy not to try out! :D

[duby08]

I have the non-push button, 4cyl add tacoma and I did the two low mod. My driveshaft still spins. It worked really well until I locked the front end. Now I can still unlock one wheel, but my driver side wheel always spins. So that essentially turned it into a 3-low mod. It does make turning a little easier and helps a little bit when traversing across an incline.

[Yeti]

He was talking about the non-push button xfer cases, not the tranny.

As far as I am aware, this mod will work for any Tacoma with the push-button 4x4 system, regardless of the tranny type.

There is another mod for two-low on non-push button 4x4 Tacoma's, but I am having a heck of a time finding the write up for it anywhere.

Find that writeup yet becuase I sure cant and would like it... even some info from an FSM would work for me.

[duby08]

Find that writeup yet becuase I sure cant and would like it... even some info from an FSM would work for me.

There's a light blue plug that comes out of the passenger side of your transfer case. It has two wires, I just interrupted one of them with a switch. I actually went and got a push button shift knob from a scrap yard and used that as my switch.

[cheez]

There's a light blue plug that comes out of the passenger side of your transfer case. It has two wires, I just interrupted one of them with a switch. I actually went and got a push button shift knob from a scrap yard and used that as my switch.
Wouldn't this plug be the easier of the two mods anyway, especially for a manual tranny? I would rather unplug something than cut wires while I'm under warranty.

[Bnorm]

There's a light blue plug that comes out of the passenger side of your transfer case. It has two wires, I just interrupted one of them with a switch. I actually went and got a push button shift knob from a scrap yard and used that as my switch.

How and to where did you run the wires? I would like to do this mod. Thanks for your help!
Brock

[duby08]

How and to where did you run the wires? I would like to do this mod. Thanks for your help!
Brock

I just ran the wires up the top of the transfer case and up the shift lever. Just take caution to make sure they are strapped out of the way of moving parts. I also put some wire loom over them to help protect from heat.

[Yeti]

Sweet, are there two wires there(blue plug)? I wonder what they both do or if its just like one hot one goes into the t-case switch and the other comes back out to signal the ADD, you think thats how it works?

[Bnorm]

Sweet, are there two wires there(blue plug)? I wonder what they both do or if its just like one hot one goes into the t-case switch and the other comes back out to signal the ADD, you think thats how it works?

I don't know for sure, but that's what I'm thinking... Hopefully someone will chime in and clear this up.

[not2XS]

I don't know for sure, but that's what I'm thinking... Hopefully someone will chime in and clear this up.
It's either that one is hot and the other gets switched to it in 4WD, or one is ground and the other is switched to it in 4WD. I'm about 90% sure its the second case. Either way it makes little difference, you just put in a manual switch from one to the other in place of having the t-case do it, or if you want to get more fancy you make your switch open the connection even if the t-case closes it.

[Bnorm]

you just put in a manual switch from one to the other in place of having the t-case do it,...
...or if you want to get more fancy you make your switch open the connection even if the t-case closes it.
How so on the latter? I guess I don't really understand. What would be the advantage of one setup over the other?

[not2XS]

How so on the latter? I guess I don't really understand. What would be the advantage of one setup over the other?
Well, one way would be to disconnect the switch inside the t-case, and simply replace the segment of circuit with a manual switch. Now the driver does to the ADD what the t-case used to do - and needs to remember to shift the lever into 4WD before hitting the switch if doing it at speed (or you get a real nasty slam in the front diff). Also you want not to hit the switch accidentally, if at speed.

The second way would be to interrupt ONE of the wires going to the t-case, and add a manual switch in series with the one in the tcase. This way you could hit the switch accidentally or out of sequence while at speed, and nothing will happen until you shift the lever, when it will behave as normal. Both switches need to be closed to activate the ADD. When in 4WD, you can operate the manual switch to disconnect the front end, to allow 2WD low range (or just to stir up the diff oil on pavement).

I'm pretty sure this will work, except it was hard to get my fingers and the strippers at both ends of the cut wire, so I ended up doing it the first way myself.

[Toyo4x4]

Has anyone found the write-up for the non-push button transfer cases? I'm not cutting an splicing without knowing someone did it, and it worked. Seems the interupting of one of the plugs with a switch might work, just doesn't seem to be a popular mod with the non-push button guys.

[Toyo4x4]

*edit* Nevermind, that was a second option to the grey-wire mod.

[duby08]

I had my transmission out today and played with the wires to see if it made a difference. You can cut and splice a switch into either one of the wires that go through the bright blue plug on the passenger side and it will still work.

[not2XS]

*edit* Nevermind, that was a second option to the grey-wire mod.
Just to be sure to make it perfectly clear:-
There is a "blue-plug mod" on the driver's side of the transmission as an alternative to the "grey wire mod" for the locker in any range (if you have manual transmission and no ABS).
The one discussed here is an identical blue plug but on the passenger side of the transmission for the 2-lo mod. I have non pushbutton and I have done it successfully.

[Toyo4x4]

Just to be sure to make it perfectly clear:-
There is a "blue-plug mod" on the driver's side of the transmission as an alternative to the "grey wire mod" for the locker in any range (if you have manual transmission and no ABS).
The one discussed here is an identical blue plug but on the passenger side of the transmission for the 2-lo mod. I have non pushbutton and I have done it successfully.

I know, I posted it thinking it was the mod for the two low on non push button trucks, but it was the paper clip mod which is an alternative for the grey wire mod.

Sent you a message btw.

[mr4x403]

i love this mod, but the only thing i don't like is the dredded axel wrap. in the sand i get it very bad. it does however help with perfect donuts locked up in the rear and nice little burnouts on the street!!

[Matt]

Allows the use of low range on the transfer case without engaging the "Automatic Disconnecting Differential" or "ADD" for four-wheel drive.


I can't get the damned plug to come apart. I can see one little clip holding the two together but lifting it up doesn't seem to be helping.

[WATRD]

I can't get the damned plug to come apart. I can see one little clip holding the two together but lifting it up doesn't seem to be helping.
You may have to monkey around with it a bit if it's well weathered, but with some finesse, it will come apart.

[Matt]

You may have to monkey around with it a bit if it's well weathered, but with some finesse, it will come apart.

Yes, I eventually got it to come apart. I just had to get a little rough with it. :D

[WATRD]

Yes, I eventually got it to come apart. I just had to get a little rough with it. :D
So all is well?

[Matt]

So all is well?

Yes, all is well. Thanks for the pics and post. Free mods rule!

I did the Grey Wire mod while I was at it, used customtacos.com write up, and now I'm sure to confuse myself with all the transfer case/locker options! :D

[WATRD]

That's good to hear.

Maybe you can put a cheat sheet on the dash to remind you of what settings you want to use for what terrain ;) hehehhehe

[Matt]

That's good to hear.

Maybe you can put a cheat sheet on the dash to remind you of what settings you want to use for what terrain ;) hehehhehe

LOL. That might help. I'll have to come up with every possible scenario and setting to use. Heheh. Beats holding up all the trucks behind me waiting to get over the obstacle too. :D

[ianshoots]

Okay, I dig the sound of this, I just want a little clarification. You CAN put the switch into either of the wires coming from the transfer case. After doing so, and by leaving the switch "ON" (all connections made) you can drive and shift the truck the same as always. If you flip the switch while in 4 low, it will disconnect the front and allow 2 low? You probably just want to put it back "on" before disengaing the 4 wheel, so that you can start as normal next time.

[Yeti]

Right, but you wouldnt need to switch it back. Really there would be no need to have it on unless you want 4wd otherwise you could leave it off all the time. If you had a switch that would engage 4wd without shifting the lever to engage the front driveshaft, like someone else said, then at road speed the diff would suddenly send power up to the driveshaft that isnt spinning and things would get an ugly jolt from engaging.

[ZR2Steve]

Somehow I'm confused (whats new, right)

All this talk of switches? Are you not using the stock Toyota switch on the T-case shifter to set 4 wheeldrive, and the lever to pick High or Low range?

Why is there a switch in that 1st picture for the "locker mod"?

I have been running the "locker Mod" and a 2lo mod (I didn't do it like this) for a few years now.

ANYWHO these are two GREAT mods to have, and I use mine often.

[WATRD]

Why is there a switch in that 1st picture for the "locker mod"?
Because when I did the write up, there was a lot confusion between the "locker mod" and the "2lo mod". For some reason, some people thought they were one in the same. So, when I took the pic, I labled it so it was obvious that the 2lo mod had nothing to do with the locker mod.

[ZR2Steve]

Because when I did the write up, there was a lot confusion between the "locker mod" and the "2lo mod". ......So, when I took the pic, I labled it so it was obvious that the 2lo mod had nothing to do with the locker mod.

Cool a reply from the writer. you did a good job showing (Pic) and wording how to do this mod.

I have a 2001 with auto trans, and the shift points went into the lo-range mod, and I didn't like that. So I just modified the harness at the ECU under the dash.

So I bet you think I'm no longer confused, wrong, my confusion still lives. :o

So that extra switch on the dash is NOT part of your locker mod like it says?

If it is, why did you need an extra switch?

Thanks for walking me thru this. :)

[WATRD]

Okay, the first picture of the write up at http://www.wattora.com/mods/twolow/ is to show what "Push Button" 4WD looks like. It is there to distinguish that system of engaging 4wd from the type where you have to shift the stick to put it in 4wd.

Since there was confusion about what the 2lo mod did and that confusion seemed to stem from the "locker mod", I captioned the switch I use to disable the locker mod with "Switch for the "locker mod" This is a different mod from the "2lo" mod." That switch is otherwise unrelated to the 2lo mod.

That switch IS my locker mod. In the down position, the locker performs as stock, engaging only in 4lo. With the switch in the up position, it grounds out the gray wire for the locker mod, allowing the locker to function in all xfer case positions. I did that so that if someone else drives my truck, the locker cannot be accidentally engaged while they are on road. I could have foregone that switch and simply grounded the wire so that the locker mod was always active and the locker engaged with a press of the stock switch, but I wanted to be able to lock out the locker in 2wd.

Make sense?

Neither the locker mod nor the 2lo mod changes your shift points, I also have a 2001 auto, so you lost me there.

[ZR2Steve]

I did that so that if someone else drives my truck, the locker cannot be accidentally engaged while they are on road.

OK, I understand, that is a good idea.

Neither the locker mod nor the 2lo mod changes your shift points, I also have a 2001 auto, so you lost me there.

Interesting, I wonder whats up with that. It dosen't matter at this point, mine works fine now. I also didn't like the idea of of water-tight connectors hanging down and open under my truck. Either way I find the 2-lo mod VERY useful, and was inspired to do mine from your write-up.

So THANKS for clearing this for me and the write-up.

[WATRD]

You are very welcome Steve. :)

[JaresTaco]

Not a problem man but if ya find anything out for the non-push button T-Case's let me know, I would love to have the 2-Lo option for when I get a front locker.
Thanks in advance,

[Bnorm]

Not a problem man but if ya find anything out for the non-push button T-Case's let me know, I would love to have the 2-Lo option for when I get a front locker.
Thanks in advance,

There's some info here about the 2-lo mod for the manual transfer case guys:
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?postid=28879#post28879

[gary briggs]

some of this cheap tricks are so easy its mind boggiling, i love this cheap tricks forum

[99tacoma4x4]

ok ive done the grey wire mod....i also just got my 99TRD outa back from the dealership for blowin up the rear diff NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LOCKER MOD....(but dont drop the clutch hard and fast at redline instead of the tires flying...parts do) anyways the warranty'd it and all was well. with 3 months left on my waranty im slow to make changes. Has anyone with the non push button actually been running the 2WD-Lo mod? and can someone explain exactly how this mod works..cant u just do a wire mod to the hubs so they dont lock? and let the driveshaft spin? or is that bad. also if i do this mod...any danger of fuckin anything up? besides flippin the switch at speeds? bla bla more info would be nice. Also i find the grey wire mod very useful....but where would i find 2WD low useful? tryin to think of circumstances...however if i go lock-rite up front...then i could use it as a toggle switch so i could turn tighter...so that'd make sense, but why else?
thx alot for answers i get

[duby08]

ok ive done the grey wire mod....i also just got my 99TRD outa back from the dealership for blowin up the rear diff NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LOCKER MOD....(but dont drop the clutch hard and fast at redline instead of the tires flying...parts do) anyways the warranty'd it and all was well. with 3 months left on my waranty im slow to make changes. Has anyone with the non push button actually been running the 2WD-Lo mod? and can someone explain exactly how this mod works..cant u just do a wire mod to the hubs so they dont lock? and let the driveshaft spin? or is that bad. also if i do this mod...any danger of fuckin anything up? besides flippin the switch at speeds? bla bla more info would be nice. Also i find the grey wire mod very useful....but where would i find 2WD low useful? tryin to think of circumstances...however if i go lock-rite up front...then i could use it as a toggle switch so i could turn tighter...so that'd make sense, but why else?
thx alot for answers i get

With this mod on the non push-button transfer case the driveshaft still spins. All it's doing is interupting the signal that tells the vac system to engage the front axle. I have been running it for about a year with and without a locker in the front. I enjoyed the 2low on some trails that didn't require 4wd, but the control of the low range was nice to have. After locking the front end it is NO LONGER a 2 low mod. It essentially makes it a 3low mod as your front driverside tire will be engaged when you engage the transfer case. The push button then just allows you to control whether your front passenger side is engaged or not.

[Yeti]

I have a manual t-case and the other day when I would pull it back into 4 HI could hear a click coming from a relay in the passenger side kickpanel. When I heard the click the light on the dash hadnt come on yet, becuase i wasnt moving, and so I figured the relay didnt turn the light on so it most likely is one that engages the ADD.

I opened up the panel and pulled out the relay... it took some testing but I found was I thought was the ground and I wired a switch into it. At first I had the wire sent over to the switch and then from the switch I grounded it to a nut by the steering column. Well that didnt work(there were blowing fuses and exlposions and fire coming from under the hood) and I guess it turns out the wire must not have exactly been a ground wire. The funny thing is I removed the relay opened it up and looked how every wire was cionnected and wrote down what I decided they were. I must have gotten the ground and the 12v activation wire mixed up.

So to make it work I undid the switch from the gounding nut I had set up and ran that wire back over to the wire I cut off the relay harness...

Bottom line :) : If you want to use the relay in the cab to control the ADD it can be done. the end

[J-Man]

i love the 2-lo mod, makes backing my boat and equipment traiilers real easy up inclines.

[Zintradi]

this mod is an absoloute godsend if you have to drive in a city like Seattle or Tacoma... It allows you to start on the hills with little effort and then just shift up into 2hi and be on your way

[99FlowedTaco]

eh i had the money to blow amongst many other items like a ps pump rebuild kit ect ect so i just bought the twin stick setup for my manual t-case (non push button 4wd) no messing about with wires and such although from what i have seen on this subject it works great. I just like having 3 knobs to play with tranny shifter / tcase 4wd/2wd and high/low lmao no sexual remarks about my post please unless your blonde , female and about 20 - 35 :cool:

[Pirox]

So does this mod work on the 05's?? I have the manual tranny with the push button on the dash. It's also the selector for 2hi, 4hi and 4low. I haven't seen any of the 05 guys chime in yet.

Kent

[JaresTaco]

Thanks!!

[Zintradi]

So does this mod work on the 05's?? I have the manual tranny with the push button on the dash. It's also the selector for 2hi, 4hi and 4low. I haven't seen any of the 05 guys chime in yet.

Kent

no this wont work... the 05 is more complicated then earlier years.
trails are still being blazed for the 05 as it is basically a completly new truck

[Pirox]

I was afraid of that. Thanks for clearing that up. I'll keep checking back to follow the developement of this mod for the 05.

Kent

[Yeti]

wow i thought i heard somehwere 05's didnt even have low range, I feel much better now if they do.

[Pirox]

Glad to hear you're feeling better :D


Kent

[cheez]

I hate being confused :mad: Hopefully someone can clear this up for me. I have a 2004 manual w/ TRD locker. I unplugged the blue wire on the driver's side of the t-case/transmission. Now I can shift into 2-lo w/o 4wd kicking in - perfect!

I don't know if it's coincidence or not, but now when I try to engage the locker, the rrdiff light keeps flashing. I've tried the the usual pulling forward, turning, backing up, etc.

I'm just curious if unplugging the blue plug screws up engaging the locker before I dive into tearing apart the locker actuator. I have not done the grey wire mod.

Is there a different 2lo mod for a manual vs. an automatic? For some reason I had a hard time discerning that from all of the different posts in this thread. Thanks!

[cheez]

Well, I guess I kind of answered my own question. I just plugged the driver's side blue plug back together and now the locker engages perfectly. Sooo...., what the heck do I need to do to get the 2-lo mod and still have my locker work?

[Dick Foster]

For what it's worth I recommend that you take that locker ECU thing out and toss it. Then replace it with a simple swicth circuit that is detailed in the FAQ/Tech section. Then you can do what you want and lock it up when you want.

[cheez]

Dick, I just read your awesome write up on that. I may do just that.

From what I gather from this thread, I need to do the grey wire mod in order for the locker to work with the 2lo mod, is that correct?

[Dick Foster]

Don't know about all those colored wires and such. When I did 2 low I just put a simple switch in one of the wires going to the 4WD limit switch on the transfer case and it worked like a champ. If you do that and the locker switch, you'll be all set.

[Zintradi]

Dick, I just read your awesome write up on that. I may do just that.

From what I gather from this thread, I need to do the grey wire mod in order for the locker to work with the 2lo mod, is that correct?

if all you had done was the blue plug mod, then you could have used your locker when you were in 2-lo and the 4wd button engaged (putting you in 4-lo).
to be able to use your locker whenever, you can re-wire it to a simple switch like Dick is talking about or you can do the grey wire mod.

[cheez]

if all you had done was the blue plug mod, then you could have used your locker when you were in 2-lo and the 4wd button engaged (putting you in 4-lo).


That doesn't seem true, at least not in my case. I unplugged the blue plug for the 2-lo mod. I shifted the transfer case into 4-lo and engaged 4wd by pushing the 4wd button. The locker would not engage to safe it's life.

As soon as I plugged the blue plug back together, shifted into 4-lo (now 4wd automatically engages like it should) and pushed the diff button, the locker engaged almost instantly.

I then unplugged the blue plug, again shifted into 4-lo in 4wd, and the locker does not work.

Therefore, something is not letting the locker engage when I have the "2-lo" mod done.

That's why I'm wondering if I need to do the grey wire mod first in order for the 2-lo mod to work. Obviously I could do what Dick suggests to get around all of it but I'm hesitant since I'm still under warranty.

[WATRD]

Are you 100% certain that the locker is not engaging? Or are you simply seeing the blinking light and assuming it's not? I have seen this before on a couple of rigs and although the light continued to blink, the locker was locking up fine. The problem was in the feeback circuit, not the locking circuit.

[cheez]

I can definitely hear and feel it clunk in when it does and the light stops blinking immediately. I tried everywhich way with the blue plug unplugged and the locker would not engage. As soon as I plugged the blue plug back together, the locker engaged almost immediately after I pushed the button.

[WATRD]

That's first for me then. I have seen several that still locked but the light kept blinking, but I have never seen one where the 2low mod actually had any effect on the locker.

Must be a Monday truck? ahhahahhahahha

[cheez]

I'll try unplugging the blue plug a 3rd time just for the heck of it. Maybe I'll try it out with the rear jacked up. Maybe this weekend I'll get around to doing the grey wire mod to see if that has any impact on this 2-lo mod.

I'm pretty sure an '04 is the same as any other Tacoma except the '05.

[Paul]

Mine did the exact same thing. You need to do the grey wire mod. After I did the 2-Lo mod mine wouldn't lock up until I did the grey wire mod. Did the grey wire mod and now it locks up perfect.

I love 2-Lo! :D

[cheez]

Mine did the exact same thing. You need to do the grey wire mod. After I did the 2-Lo mod mine wouldn't lock up until I did the grey wire mod. Did the grey wire mod and now it locks up perfect.

I love 2-Lo! :D

That's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

[WATRD]

Wait a minute, did I read that correctly? If you do just the two-low mod, of course the locker won't engage. One of the checks that the locker ECU does is that the transfer case is in FOUR low, with the diff engaged. You would HAVE to do the gray wire mod for the locker to work in anything but four low.

I will update the write up.

[Zintradi]

That's why I'm wondering if I need to do the grey wire mod first in order for the 2-lo mod to work. Obviously I could do what Dick suggests to get around all of it but I'm hesitant since I'm still under warranty.


Well I would just do the grey wire then, it takes all of about 10 minutes and just get some high quality connectors from radio shack and rig it up so you could hook it back together in stock cofiguration quikly if you had to take it in.

[cheez]

Wait a minute, did I read that correctly? If you do just the two-low mod, of course the locker won't engage. One of the checks that the locker ECU does is that the transfer case is in FOUR low, with the diff engaged. You would HAVE to do the gray wire mod for the locker to work in anything but four low.

I will update the write up.

That was my problem with the 2-lo mod. Even with it shifted into FOUR low (diff engaged) I could not get the locker to work. I think the locker just doesn't like something about unplugging the blue plug, even in 4-lo.

[Dick Foster]

One of the inputs in the locker ECU is to ensure that 4WD is enabled, if it's not, no locker. That is along with speed and low range. I think the speed input is the most troublesome but the other two can be faked out if it's desired to keep the ECU. In my mind it's best just to eliminate it and go with a simple switch like all other selectable lockers on the market.

[not2XS]

Well, I guess I kind of answered my own question. I just plugged the driver's side blue plug back together and now the locker engages perfectly. Sooo...., what the heck do I need to do to get the 2-lo mod and still have my locker work?
Cheez, I think you may be confused. The 2-low mod uses the blue plug on the PASSENGER SIDE. The alternative locker mod to the grey wire mod was to SHORT OUT the blue plug on the DRIVER'S SIDE.

It sounds like you have push-button 4WD, and so the blue-plug locker mod (on the DRIVER'S side) may not work for you, in which case you would have to use the grey-wire version of the locker mod.

I don't know how the blue plug on the DRIVER'S side might interfere with push-button 4WD, so if it causes you problems you may need to use a double-throw switch. But the grey-wire mod will over-ride anything done at the blue-plug on the DRIVER'S side, as far as the locker is concerned.

[cheez]

Cheez, I think you may be confused. The 2-low mod uses the blue plug on the PASSENGER SIDE. The alternative locker mod to the grey wire mod was to SHORT OUT the blue plug on the DRIVER'S SIDE.

It sounds like you have push-button 4WD, and so the blue-plug locker mod (on the DRIVER'S side) may not work for you, in which case you would have to use the grey-wire version of the locker mod.

I don't know how the blue plug on the DRIVER'S side might interfere with push-button 4WD, so if it causes you problems you may need to use a double-throw switch. But the grey-wire mod will over-ride anything done at the blue-plug on the DRIVER'S side, as far as the locker is concerned.

Yep, I do have push-button 4WD. I unplugged the blue plug on the drivers side as shown specifically in the instructions in the first post of this thread (so much for following directions :p ) It did make it so I could shift into lo without 4WD automatically engaging (as advertised) and everything worked like it should except the locker.

It sounds like I just need to do the gray wire mod along with unplugging this same plug and everything will work just fine, or something. BTW, I looked everywhere and did not see another blue plug on the passenger side.

[cheez]

Okay, I just did the grey wire mod. The grey wire mod does need to be done in conjuction with the 2-lo mod in order for the locker mod AND 2-lo mod to work. In other words, just unplugging the blue plug on the driver's side for the 2-lo mod makes your locker inoperable until you do the grey wire mod. I feel better now :)

[cheez]

[QUOTE=not2XS]Cheez, I think you may be confused. The 2-low mod uses the blue plug on the PASSENGER SIDE. QUOTE]

That is incorrect, at least for my 2004, V6, TRD, manual tranny, ext. cab. I just did the grey wire mod and unplugged the blue plug on the DRIVER'S SIDE and everything works perfectly now. It is the exact same plug that is shown in the directions linked in the very first post of this thread. There is no blue plug on the passenger's side.

[not2XS]

Sorry, must be a push-button thing! I didn't look at the picture, just went by the mod on my own truck. Anyway, in that case it makes it inevitable that the grey-wire mod is needed - as you discovered. Appologies for adding confusion!

[pi]

no this wont work... the 05 is more complicated then earlier years.
trails are still being blazed for the 05 as it is basically a completly new truck

Anyone figured this out for the 05's yet?
-Mike

[Super Doody]

Yes. This is transparent to lockers, TRD locker included, if you have already done the "gray wire" locker mod.

I been waiting way too long to try this out. Just want to clearify that if you haven't done the grey wire locker mod, your TRD locker will not engage.

Although 2wd lo is great for teaching others to drive a 5sp. :)

[Paul]

I been waiting way too long to try this out. Just want to clearify that if you haven't done the grey wire locker mod, your TRD locker will not engage.

Although 2wd lo is great for teaching others to drive a 5sp. :)
Some people say that the locker will still engage, but mine wouldn't. I did the grey wire mod and now it works fine.

[cheez]

I been waiting way too long to try this out. Just want to clearify that if you haven't done the grey wire locker mod, your TRD locker will not engage.

Although 2wd lo is great for teaching others to drive a 5sp. :)


That's how it was on my '04 manual

[pi]

Still no way to make this work on the 05's?

[Super Doody]

With the switch in the up position, it grounds out the gray wire for the locker mod, allowing the locker to function in all xfer case positions. I did that so that if someone else drives my truck, the locker cannot be accidentally engaged while they are on road


Sorry, I know you are probably sick of talking about this mod. The switch is a good idea but I read that you still have to be below 5 mph to actually engage the locker. Is this true? I mean isnt that the reason why rewiring their lock to a seperate 12v switch?

[WATRD]

To be perfectly clear, the switch goes to ground, not to 12 volts...

Yes, you still have to be below 5mph to engage or disengage the locker. Beyond that, I am not sure I understand your question.

[Super Doody]

To be perfectly clear, the switch goes to ground, not to 12 volts...

Yes, you still have to be below 5mph to engage or disengage the locker. Beyond that, I am not sure I understand your question.


Yes you are right. I meant this switch from this company:

http://www.12voltguy.com/catalog.0.html2.0.html

A double pole, double throw switch.

[WATRD]

I am confused about where you are confused. Locking and unlocking the locker over 5mph is really hard on it. Yes, you could bypass the stock ECU all together and install that switch, but it still not a going to be a good idea to lock it over 5mph, so all you have done is removed the safety factor the stock ECU provides.

The switch I was referring to doesn't replace the stock switch, just enables it. Off the locker only works in 4-lo, on and the locker works in all positions. But, the engaged disengage safety remains in effect. Of course, once it's engaged, it will remain thus at any speed...

[Dick Foster]

It's not locking or unlocking above 5mph that is the reason to do the switch. The real reason is to simplify the system so that it's functional. I think the stock control box has too many inputs so it winds up getting confused and doesn't work half the time. Their attempt at fool proofing has rended it unuseable in many cases. There is no replacement for a brain. You just have to be sure and use it. If you don't trust yourself to think or are not willing to bear the consequences of doing something dumb, I would recommend that you NOT do the mod.

[Super Doody]

I am confused about where you are confused. Locking and unlocking the locker over 5mph is really hard on it. Yes, you could bypass the stock ECU all together and install that switch, but it still not a going to be a good idea to lock it over 5mph, so all you have done is removed the safety factor the stock ECU provides.

The switch I was referring to doesn't replace the stock switch, just enables it. Off the locker only works in 4-lo, on and the locker works in all positions. But, the engaged disengage safety remains in effect. Of course, once it's engaged, it will remain thus at any speed...

I apologize for the confusion. What I meant was that with the seperate switch hooked up to the locker, you can by pass the some time trouble some stock switch. Because as stated in the rear lock mod section http://www.ttora.com/wiki/index.php/Rear_Locker, you sometimes have roll forward or reverse for a short distance before the locker engages.


I never intend to engage my locker at speeds

[not2XS]

...you sometimes have roll forward or reverse for a short distance before the locker engages...
That's not an issue when you actually need it. All it needs is for the teeth on both sides to line up. If you are stuck because of lack of traction on one side, all you have to do is give it a tiny amount of power and the wheel that is slipping only needs to turn a few degrees to line up with the wheel that is not moving, and it will lock.

The problem only occurs when you anticipate needing the locker, and press the button ahead of actually getting stopped. The danger is that you may be giving it some skinny on the obstacle when you actually get some wheel slip and it engages.

Despite any idiot proofing, you can always get a bigger idiot.


PS. Having the locker suddenly engage while one wheel is stopped and the other is spinning like crazy is possibly the only way of breaking the axle shaft (with appropriate sized tires).

[rogersja63]

Anyone figure this out for the '05's yet?

[kamperbob]

Just wanted to say THANKS!

I've used 4LO a lot when I really just wanted 2LO to move my camper around at low speed without stirring the ATF so much. I had pulled the fuse temporarily, and was about to open the shift console to go looking for switches and wires. This mod is EXACTLY what I wanted. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Rock on!
-Bob

[trd04taco]

I attempted this mod a while ago and had the same problem that cheez had with the locker not being able to engage. I have since done the grey wire mod and added a switch to it. I plan on going about the 2-low mod a bit differently. Here's what I want to do:
I'm trying to add a switch into the center console that taps into the microswitches in the transfer case stick that engages the front diff. when I move it to low range (right under the center console plastic). I think it just closes the same circuit that the 4WD switch does so if I put a switch in that circuit I'm thinking that it will allow me to interrupt the circuit and not engage the front diff. I think if this works, it will be simpler than the method everyone else is using and might not even have the issue with the rear locker. I will be attempting it in a couple weeks and will let you all know what I find.

[4XTACO99]

everytime i read this, i get more and more confused on how to do it. i have the non-pushbutton shifter with ADD. does anyone have a write up on how to do it with the non-pushbutton shifter?

[not2XS]

The 2-lo mod on the non-pushbutton shifter version of your age of truck consists of undoing the blue plug on the passenger side of the gearbox, and substituting a switch for that connection. You can either add a switch in series with the wiring leading back to the t-case (allowing you to selectively override engaging the ADD), or in place of that wiring (giving over control of the ADD completely).

[4XTACO99]

The 2-lo mod on the non-pushbutton shifter version of your age of truck consists of undoing the blue plug on the passenger side of the gearbox, and substituting a switch for that connection. You can either add a switch in series with the wiring leading back to the t-case (allowing you to selectively override engaging the ADD), or in place of that wiring (giving over control of the ADD completely).

ok so what i get from this is that you are suppose to seperate the blue plastic piece and put a switch on either one of the two wires in there and then ground the switch? is that all? no fuse for the switch or any wires leading to the fuse box? does anyone have a picture of how the switch is suppose to hook up to the wires? sorry for being such a noob

[not2XS]

OK, here is my simplest suggestion:
1. Find the blue plug on the passenger side of the gearbox, there will be two wires running through it.
2. Leave the plug connected and cut one of the wires. One is the signal and the other is the ground-return wire for the signal - you can cut either one (but the white-black one might be better). Splice extension wires to the two cut ends and insulate around the splices. Make sure the resulting insulation is waterproof or it will get wet and corrode the connections.
3. Run the wires to where you want the switch, connect the switch between the two wires.
4. The switch should be normally kept closed. When the switch is closed, everything works just as it does now. Open the switch to disable the A.D.D. for the front drive.
5. If at some time 4WD stops working or becomes intermittent, one of your connections has gone bad.

[bradrob82]

i have my version of the 2 low mod on my taco, i do not have a switch on tranny lever, unfortunately i have the ADD front end : (, when i pulled my tranny and transfer out to replace clutch, i forgot to unplug the blue plug and when i did i snapped the wires, well when i put it back together i just wired up a simple switch and wired it up with those 2 wires going to ADD actuator (i extended them so i could put them where the TRD rear locker switch is), so now i have electronic lock out hubs, i can pull the transfer case back and have 2 low or lock in the hubs by hitting the switch. word of advice, dont lock in hubs while going over 5mph, she has a tendancy to grind a lil bit. besides that i love the little mod!

[bradrob82]

i can post pics if anyone is interested!

[Matt-W]

i'm interested and that actually seems like a very nice idea i will probably look at doing it too i need to keep my wiring intact for now while its my daily driver i'm not the wiring type i dont have much experience with it lol :saw: but eventually it'd be a good idea so can i get some details