Toshbar

I found what I was searching for. All that is needed is to ground the solenoid via a switch to disconnect the hubs while the engine is on. AKA, go into 4 low, flip the switch to ground the solenoid, and the hubs disconnect to go into 2wd low range. I'll update when I actually do it.

fatedstranger

I'm interested in doing this too, don't forget to post some details when your done

Dirttracker18

I am not sure why people are way overthinking this.

You are correct that you just ground the solenoid and thus disconnect the front hubs.

Shift into 4 low, ground the solenoid and there you go, 2 low.

No damage to worry about or excessive wear. I doubt the OP plans to drive around town in low. This would most certainly be a short term use.

I really never see a need to have 2 low but all the power to you if you have a need.

Toshbar

Kind of lost interest in this, but I'll see what I can do.

Toshbar

Well you guys pushed me over the edge. Ran outside before work and did some multi-metering, wire splicing, and came up with a working prototype:





Clamped on an add-a-circuit with spade socket on the negative side of the vacuum solenoid. On my 2005 Lariat, this was the all red wire at the solenoid pigtail. The red/blue stripe was the positive. Plugged in a switch from another project, and connected to negative battery terminal. Fired up the truck and checked normal 4x4 operation, which was flawless. Put it in 4x4 low range, flipped my switch to ground the vacuum solenoid, and I now have 2wd low range!

No warning lights, 4x4 Low light stayed illuminated. Flipped my switch back to open and the front hubs engaged back to 4x4 Low. Shifted into 2x4 High without issue.

One important thing here is to NEVER engage only the hubs while the truck is in motion. I do not believe such a situation is possible with this mod.

I bought some wire and am going to mount my switch in my Edge dash pod so I won't have to drill any factory dash pieces. I'm headed to work now but after work I'll get it all wired up with pics. Perhaps a video of final install and a demo.

Toshbar

In-dash button is wired and tested. I just grounded it to the parking brake pedal bracket. Total cost was $8 for some wire.