Product Review: 4x4 Posi-Lok The Manual Front-Axle Disconnect

Jun. 01, 2000 By ORC STAFF

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Currently,there is only ONE way to get TRUE instant FourWheel Drive from your 1988-1997 (6 or 8 Lug) Chevrolet or GMC Pickup, Blazer, Tahoe, or Suburban. That way is to install this simple, yet powerful kit from 4x4 Posi-Lok. This kit replaces the heat actuated solenoid used on these vehicles to engage the front axle with a manually operated system, controlled by YOU, the driver.

You ask why does it matter? Plain and simple, the factory one is slow (5 seconds to never, based on outside temperature conditions), and is prone to failure. How many times have you shut your truck off on the trail, come back a few minutes later, and started to drive away, only to find that your in TWO-WHEEL DRIVE!! What happened? The front-axle actuator cooled off while you were away, and disconnected. The 4x4 Posi-Lok kit will NOT disengage unless YOU release!

This picture is from the 4x4 Posi-Lok Press-Release package. It illustrates very clearly how the kit replaces the OEM actuator. In fact, the OEM actuator is shown at the top of the picture.

When I was introduced to some literature about this product, I was a little skeptical about it being so much better than factory. So I decided to call and ask for a unit to test and review for Off-Road.Com. They were more than happy to send me one, and in fact, the all around easy going atmosphere of his company was great, and I have found them a pleasure to work with!

When the kit arrived I was immediately impressed with the quality of the parts and workmanship. Every piece of the kit is of the HIGHEST quality. It took approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to install. I installed the kit alone.

INSTALLATION:

To install the kit, you need to begin by draining the oil from the front differential to check for metal particles in the oil (If there are particles in the oil, its time to rebuild the front end, installing the Posi-Lok could help prevent this in the future). Once done remove the actuator, and install the Posi-Lok Components. In the cab, simply drill 1 hole where the cable will pass thru, using the provided rubber grommet to keep the line from freying. Route the cable out the through the firewall and past the mastercylinder. Use the provided cable tie to tie the line to the mastercylinder. From there attatch the line to the kit harness and adjust the cable length. Your done!! It's that simple. (Be sure to refill the front diff. with fluid and road test!)

HOW IT WORKS:

The first time I shifted the truck into FourWheelDrive I couldn't get the front axle to engage. I drove about 30-40 feet and tried again, and it went right in. I do not know what caused that the first time, but I have not been able to repeat it. I have shifted the kit at least 20-30 times without any problem. Positive, 100% lock everytime.

WHAT TO DO & BENEFITS:

To shift it, you need to pull the T-Case lever for FourWheel Drive (or press the 4HI button if you have the electronically controlled case), and the pull and lock the Posi-Lok. Now you can shift the 4x4 lever between 2 and 4 wheel drive at any speed. There is one real plus I like about this kit. You can shift 4-Lo, and leave the Posi-Lok Un-Locked. You know have the equivalent of 2-Lo! This is great for getting that big boat out of the water, or heavy on pavement pulling!

This kit is something that almost every late model Chevy truck needs, if you would like more information just contact 4x4 Posi-Lok at: 4x4 PosiLok