2000 DII CDL Conversion

[discocolo]

I figured since we have already had a post on this today I thought I would ask if anyone has completed the CDL conversion on 2000 DII. Specifically the one detailed on EE. It looks pretty simple. I am considering doing it to mine, and am curious if anyone here has any first hand experience, and how difficult they thought it was. I am also curious if the off-road capabilities are increased as much as I have heard they are. I have heard that there is no reason to even think about any kind of lockers if you do this conversion. Any experience out there??

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[j_button]

Did mine in April. Followed the procedure on EE and it was a good document for getting everything apart without breaking plastic.

Off road capabilites are noticable, mostly from ETC working less frequent. The ETC if very jerky and requires some power when the brakes are applied. With CDL I seem to have better control and less wheel spin. The upgrade is definately worth it. I mess with it for the better part of the weekend. I used a series of 1/4" socket extentions and U joints up through the console(welded all the joints together). I put a nut on the nipple, put a socket on the nut with a setscrew so it will stay put and is service removable.

 

[stansell]

Did mine in June. Very happy with the results. EE's writeup is excellent, just make sure you doublecheck and make sure you have lots of hardware lying around (M8 bolts and nuts, rivets, washers, etc)

 

[alenz]

I am interested in this too. But, would like to get the '04 CDL cable and fit it to my '99. My local dealer says all I need to buy is the cable but I'm sure there is more to it then this. Has anyone used this method to add a CDL?

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[koby]

This is funny.

Adding CDL to a D2 is not an upgrade in the sense that adding a traction diff is an upgrade.

Adding CDL to a D2 should be an essential modification done to enhance the safety of anyone who takes their D2 off road.

Anyone who has backed down a loose slope after a failed climb attempt will attest to this.

Quit talking about CDL as an upgrade and start talking about it as an essential safety modification.

 

[stansell]

Thanks Koby

That being said, it also improves your offroading ability. An inexpensive modification that really improves your rig.

 

[discocolo]

j_button,

Sounds like you have done the modification using an entirely different shifter knob on the console, so you have 2 knobs? One for high and low range, and one for the CDL? Is this correct?

The mod i am wanting to do is the one detailed on EE that requires purchasing an old DI CDL shift linkage, and replacing the DII's with it.

I think the mod you are talking about is detailed here on DWeb.




stansell,

Did you do the mod using an old DI linkage? No problems with getting everything back together???


I have to agree with Koby also. The ETC works incredibly, but I just have fears of it going out on me on the trail. Plus the added capabilities with CDL and ETC sound promising.

 

[Snwbord24]

I was told yesterday that it didn't matter if you engaged CDL before or after the vehicle is already running, it disables ETC either way. I thought ETC wasn't disabled if you engaged CDL after the engine is running.

Anyone know which is correct?

 

[koby]

After having done the CDL mod to my D2, I didn't feel it increased the capability of my rig at all. Most of my stuck problems came from side to side differentiation, not front to rear differentiation.

If you're looking for added traction, buy a traction diff.

If you're looking to increase how safe your truck drives, then do a CDL mod.

 

[koby]

Shane, I don't know about the 04s, which are the only Disco2 to officially come with CDL, but on my 2001 if you engage the CDL after the truck has been started the ETC does still remain active.

 

[Snwbord24]

The '04s are totally integrated and ETC remains active with or without CDL.

I thought the older one did as well, unless you had CDL engaged before turning the engine on.

 

[mikem]

After having done the CDL mod to my D2, I didn't feel it increased the capability of my rig at all. Most of my stuck problems came from side to side differentiation, not front to rear differentiation.

I have a 99 D2 with CDL . ETC comes on less often when I have the center diff locked. This means less momentum bleed on long hill climbs or in deep mud. I consider this improved capability. If the abs systems fails while off road, I still have a locked center diff... this is also improved capability. I also like the added safety of having the CDL.

If I start the engine with the center diff locked, ABS/ETC/HDC are disabled. If I lock the diff with the engine running, everything still works.

Mike

 

[bigred]

There is a link in the tech section of disco2.com about how to wire up a switch to eliminate the issue of the ABS/ETC shutting down when you start the truck with the CDL engaged. Has anyone here tried it? here's the link

 

[koby]

Mike, I didn't think about momentum. This is because I rarely go to areas where momentum is mecessary. Good point.

I think the safety factor still overrides the increased capability the mod gives you.

 

[curtis]

Koby is exactly right. The EBD on the D2 is terrible and when backing down hills the front end locks up way too easily possibly causing many bad outcomes. With CDL the rig is slightly more capable offroad.

To really get some traction add one or two Tru-Tracs and you will be much more capable. Better do it after CDL is added though because without CDL the open center diff will throw all the torque to the wheels with the least traction and the engine (and drivetrain) will be in a battle with ETC.

 

[stansell]

Jeff,
the write up on EE by Ralph Burns is excellent. The D1 shifter bolts right on. I had to deviate on slightly once. Hardware is the key. Make sure you have M8's, as well as a 14 mm bolt/washer to screw on to the nipple and rivets(Not sure about rivet size off hand but it requires pretty big size). The hookup between the hi/lo shifter and the transfer case is the only part that takes any alterations. The clasp on the D1 shifter that bolts to the transfer case can be shaped with a heavy duty pair of pliers to fit pretty good. The downside to this CDL option is slight (actually very slight) increase in cabin noise due to vibrations from the transfer case. If you are really worried about keeping cabin noise down, the CDL kit with the solenoid might be the way to go if you got extra money to throw around.

Rob