Both my 2001.5 and my dad's '02 has the Cad system. I have heard before that it is not a real reliable system. Is this actually true or just with older trucks? What goes out in the system? Is there anyway of getting the 4wd engaged if said part fails? We are snowmobilers and leave late in the evening at times. Needing 4wd and the CAD failing could be serious, a way of manually getting it engaged would be nice to know. Would it help replacing this "weak" part as preventative maintence?
You could save yourself a bad situation and install a Posilock which is basically a PTO cable adapted to the shift fork that slides the collar connecting both axles.
I know my dad doesn't want any aftermarket parts and woulde prefer just to replace what ever part that fails. So what part of the CAD is the weak link?
There is a vacuum switch on top of the T-Case that shifts the CAD could be a problem but most of the time the metal piston that is connected to the shift fork wears the aluminum housing bad enough to allow to stick the piston causing a failure of 4x4 engaugement. I've had mine get stuck in 4WD coming off the Sand Dunes. I had to screw with it for a while to get it unlocked. That was the last time I had to deal with that crappy frontend. I guess it was the straw that broke the camels back and started the HP 60 Hybrid under the front of my truck.
Sure but I have no idea on price compaired to the aftermarket PosiLock which is probably more reliable.
I HATE my front end....it's a ninny. Steering/suspension/hubs always worn out, broke axle shaft, dummy me put a detroit in it so now the front dsft spins (vibrates, wears out) and CAD gives me trouble too. Note that I (ab)use this thing harder than most. I think I figured out that when you engage/disengage the 4x4, shift N to R to D and/or tap the accel in D a couple times to make sure everything "clicks" into place. I usta go and get stuck or not make it up a hill, slam it in 4lo, and go. I think maybe the collar that slides and engages the axleshafts didn't engage all the way, and it slipped/kicked back and tore up/bent stuff in my CAD when i accleerated...i have it rigged for now...I just want a HP 60!....or someone to buy this thing off me...hah!
