Home made POSI LOCK write up

[jeepcrack]

Newb here to Jeeps and love the hell out of the 89 Islander that I got.

I read through this whole thread and others having to do with the posi-lok and I plan on tackling this home made posi lok project because mine is not working at the moment.

My question is: Did the 89 Islander come with a posi-lok switch under the dash in order to engage the 4WD? I thought it was simply a shift and go item because a previous owner added an after market vaccum switch under the dash that will not engage the 4WD at this time.

I was told that i should not have to do anything but shift into 4WD in order to have 4WD, and that the posi-lok was an add on in order to make the front wheels turn at the same time in 4 low.

Thanks and this is a great thread!

[timatoe]

Originally Posted by jeepcrack

Newb here to Jeeps and love the hell out of the 89 Islander that I got.

I read through this whole thread and others having to do with the posi-lok and I plan on tackling this home made posi lok project because mine is not working at the moment.

My question is: Did the 89 Islander come with a posi-lok switch under the dash in order to engage the 4WD? I thought it was simply a shift and go item because a previous owner added an after market vaccum switch under the dash that will not engage the 4WD at this time.

I was told that i should not have to do anything but shift into 4WD in order to have 4WD, and that the posi-lok was an add on in order to make the front wheels turn at the same time in 4 low.

Thanks and this is a great thread!

No YJ's came with a posilok switch. You are right about shift and go. You were mis-informed about the purpose, the posi lock is different than posi-traction. This mod ONLY replaces the factory vacuum actuated system with a manual actuated system. EVERYTHING else works the same as stock.

[jayj1988]

hey guys, I have a question about this mod it may sound stupid but can I still ''shift on the fly'' with this mod??

[timatoe]

Originally Posted by jayj1988

hey guys, I have a question about this mod it may sound stupid but can I still ''shift on the fly'' with this mod??

Originally Posted by timatoe

No YJ's came with a posilok switch. You are right about shift and go. You were mis-informed about the purpose, the posi lock is different than posi-traction. This mod ONLY replaces the factory vacuum actuated system with a manual actuated system. EVERYTHING else works the same as stock.

Yes you can.

[dino22isg]

im new at this and this may be a stupid question but I dont think I have a posi diff. If I I install this homemade posi lock will it work or do I need some other parts aside from the hardware listed?

Thanks

[dino22isg]

Hey man great write up. Im newat this and this might be a stupid question but if you don't have a posi diff and you install the home made posi lock will you need any other hardware aside from what is listed?

Thanks

[AuroraJeep]

Originally Posted by dino22isg

Hey man great write up. Im newat this and this might be a stupid question but if you don't have a posi diff and you install the home made posi lock will you need any other hardware aside from what is listed?

Thanks

This mod is only pertaining to the vacuum switch on your axle shafts, not "posi traction". The parts listed are to "lock" you passenger side axle shafts together manually, voiding the factory vacuum switch.

[James750]

Originally Posted by dino22isg

im new at this and this may be a stupid question but I dont think I have a posi diff. If I I install this homemade posi lock will it work or do I need some other parts aside from the hardware listed?

Thanks

TJ's do not have a vacuum actuated front axle. There is no way to do this mod to your wrangler, nor is there any reason to. Only YJ's, MJ's, and some older XJ's have the vac actuated front axle.

[speepdaedeesi]

just got back from napa, got the locking cable and tap..

they didnt have/didnt know if they had -1/4" Compression Union
-5/8"x2-3/4" Compression Spring.

bummer. but... im halfway there on parts and spent less than 40 bucks lol.

[timatoe]

Originally Posted by speepdaedeesi

just got back from napa, got the locking cable and tap..

they didnt have/didnt know if they had -1/4" Compression Union
-5/8"x2-3/4" Compression Spring.

bummer. but... im halfway there on parts and spent less than 40 bucks lol.

When I did mine, I got the other stuff from the local True Value.

[AuroraJeep]

I bought the compression spring from Auto Zone.

[Not-Bob]

Alot of the write in's on this topic were questions I had to search for also. I tried the lawnmower throttle cable and the NAPA throttle cable, but the best one I came across was a push button cable in a rubber housing to keep moisture out. I was told they use them for motorhome generators and other equipment like chippers, trailered air compressors and generators, and etc.. It was about $80 at a cable and splicing store.

[Not-Bob]

Originally Posted by timatoe

No YJ's came with a posilok switch. You are right about shift and go. You were mis-informed about the purpose, the posi lock is different than posi-traction. This mod ONLY replaces the factory vacuum actuated system with a manual actuated system. EVERYTHING else works the same as stock.

Plus you gain the ability to use low range without 4 wheel drive to be able to manuever around a little easier.

[ncAndrew]

I've got everything together, except I forgot the cable locks. :banghead:

What did you guys use for cable lube before assembling it all?
No, I'm not going to use WD-40.

[ncAndrew]

Originally Posted by plym49

I would use Loctite on those cable ends to help prevent the screw from backing out.

Shrink wrap is easily cut or abraded, so perhaps cover it with some fuel hose if you really want it abrasion/cut/oil/water resistant.

For waterproof cables go to your friendly local bike shop. You can get throttle cables or even a clutch cable if you want overkill. Motorcycle-grade cables are plenty strong, have ends that won't pull off (some get soldered on) and are waterproof. You can order cables in any length you want and the plain black ones are not expensive.

In any case lube that cable once in a while. You could coat the (inner) cable with grease the first time you put it together. Cable lube (in spray cans or oilers) works really well; it is designed to wick itself end-to-end.

I've got all kinds of grease. I guess I don't see why moly wouldn't work.