RAM 3500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z LDC (2000)
Actuator: Description and Operation
Front Axle - 216FBI
A front axle disconnect system is used to achieve two-wheel drive mode. The axle disconnect vacuum motor is actuated by a vacuum switch on the
transfer case. The switch is operated by the transfer case range rod.
AXLE VACUUM MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The disconnect axle control system consists of:
^
Shift motor.
^
Indicator switch.
^
Vacuum switch.
^
Vacuum harness (Fig. 27).
OPERATION
The shift motor receives a vacuum signal from the switch mounted on the transfer case when the vehicle operator wants to switch from two wheel
drive mode to four wheel drive mode, or vice versa. When this signal is received, the shift motor begins to move the shift fork and collar within the
axle housing. In the four wheel drive mode, the shift collar connects the axle intermediate shaft to the axle shaft to supply engine power to both front
wheels. In two wheel drive mode, the shift collar is disengaged from the intermediate shaft and the intermediate shaft is allowed to free-spin. When the
two shafts are disengaged, the load on the engine is reduced, thereby providing better fuel economy and road handling.
