em8950

I have a 2003 Rubicon full time 4wd and its driving me nuts not being able to switch to 2wd. Warn has discontinued the conversions but i have found some on ebay and other sites as well. Has anyone converted to a later model front differential and drive shaft assembly? I really do not want to buy the parts and find out they will not fit. I am ok with minor modification like welding in new mounting tabs or things like that. I am worried about the length of the drive shaft and the compatability of the axles. i really would like the electronic shift instead of a cable assembly. Any insight or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

chd811

Excellent question. One would need a detailed parts list with measurements, or another machine to make comparisons too...definitely an idea worth checking into. As far as the Warn 424 goes, I've used the 424 for 6 years with zero issues--except it's not true 4 wheel drive. There is a "Detroit Locker kit that will make it 4x4 (for an arm and half a leg), but it's not recommended on hard pack, etc. The Warn cable has never been an issue, and has never failed--electronics can do that at the wrong time. Here are a few pics of the way I set mine up. One hole to drill, and a little trimming on the plastic to accomodate the knob assembly. The stock mounting hardware is gawdy at best, so out the door it went. I've had people think this was a factory setup. The base washer is a reducing washer out of the electrical section, and the angled bushing is a pc of 1/2 inch pvc cut, sanded, and painted black. I wanted to polish the stock knob, and tried to remove the anodizing. I tested it in some acid, and it worked good--too bad I forgot about it for about 10 minutes. Needless to say, I needed a new knob. With a bit of drilling and threading, this hard Maple dresser knob works just fine for 39 cents. You'll love being able to disengage the front--almost like having power steering. Seems the Warn covered '01 to '04, but don't quote me on that. No doubt, someone here does know exactly.
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em8950

QUOTE (magejubi @ Mar 4 2010, 05:35 PM)
Thanks for you input. I am trying to get the local Honda techs to do a little research for me but without having the actual parts to measure no one can tell me for sure. I think it would be pretty trick to upgrade to factory componants but i am worried the cost could escalate if there is alot of modification and parts required. After all is said and done i probably will go with the 424 kit. The kit is a new driveshaft, correct? I am guessing there is a sleave at the yoke to disengage? what king of maintenance is involved with this?