Dodge W150 Front Axle Disconnect Cable Lock Kit PSL450

This is a cable lock conversion kit (reference PSL450) for the center axle disconnect on 1985-1993 Dodge 4WD trucks. It replaces the factory vacuum-operated shift motor with a push-pull cable, so the driver locks and unlocks the front axle by hand from the cab. The kit includes a new cast housing that bolts over the disconnect fork, the housing gasket, the control cable with its push-pull knob and actuator rod, mounting brackets, an indicator switch, and the fasteners and ties to route it.

Listed fitment, 4WD only: 1985-1993 Dodge W150, W250 and W350 pickups and 1985-1993 Dodge Ramcharger.

The problem it solves: these trucks use a center axle disconnect on the passenger side of the front axle, where a shift fork slides a collar to join the two halves of the axle shaft. The fork is moved by a vacuum motor fed from the transfer case switch. Cracked vacuum lines, a leaking diaphragm or a bad switch at the transfer case leave the truck in 4WD at the lever but with no drive to the front wheels. A cable removes the vacuum system from the job entirely.

Install notes: before condemning the vacuum motor, put a hand vacuum pump on it and see if it holds and moves the fork, and check the lines back to the transfer case. To convert, remove the vacuum motor and its housing from the axle tube, clean the mating surface, and fit the new housing with the supplied gasket and the cable rod engaged in the fork. Route the cable up to the cab clear of the exhaust and steering linkage and mount the knob within reach. Shift the transfer case into 4WD, pull the knob, and roll the truck slowly if the collar needs to line up. Push the knob in before running in 2WD on pavement.