Can I get 2 Low from my TOD Transfer Case?

[GoldenGateCanyon]

I modified my 1997 Land Cruiser to allow me to choose between 2 low and 4 low by unlocking the center diff when desired, all done electronically. My new 2023 F150 Lariat has the Borg Warner TOD 2 speed transfer case. I know it electronically locks and unlocks a clutch in the transfer case to get 4 wheel drive or 2 wheel drive. I know it is controlled by software. It seems there would be a way to safely unlock the clutch when desired. Has anyone heard of a method to do so? The main reason I want to do it is when I tow a heavy trailer up or down a very steep blacktop road, I would prefer to use the low-speed gears in the transfer case.

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[SALEEN961]

This should be possible and fairly easy. The transfer case clutch is applied by the TCCM sending power to the clutch via a single wire. You could install a 5-pole relay that would send the power from the TCCM to a dummy load when commanded and allow normal circuit operation when off. This would allow the clutch to slip in the same way that it does in 4A and the dummy load should prevent any fault codes from occurring.

 

[GoldenGateCanyon]

Thanks Saleen, that's along the lines of what I'm hoping to be the case. Where did you get the diagram? I can't be the only guy who has wanted this functionality, is there anyone out there who has already done it?

 

[Buyer2021]

Where did you get the diagram?

The posted diagram is a 'cell' ('page') from the official Ford Service / Workshop Manual.

Sources are mentioned in this thread and can also be purchased from Helm, Inc.

I can't be the only guy who has wanted this functionality,

I, for one, don't understand the substantive benefit or real-world application given the TOD's OE mode choices. Obviously, YMMV (no worries), but your 'want' is not one I've run across on this forum to date.

 

[hotrodmex]

The main reason I want to do it is when I tow a heavy trailer up or down a very steep blacktop road, I would prefer to use the low-speed gears in the transfer case.

At road speeds, or like crawling up private ramps? in 4(2)Low you'll be up in gear 5+ with any reasonable street speed. Wouldn't that basically put you into the same ratios as doing manual control for 1-2-3 in 2H?

 

[GoldenGateCanyon]

This would be at low speed. When I back a heavy trailer on steep black top, or haul it down a steep black top, I find that having lower gears available is a good thing. But, the more I look into this, the less likely I am to do it. The easy way, disengaging the IWEs won't work for me, since my 2023 Lariat doesn't have 'em. And, I don't need it more than 5 or 10 times per year, so I'm just gonna use it like it is.

 

[HammaMan]

This would be at low speed. When I back a heavy trailer on steep black top, or haul it down a steep black top, I find that having lower gears available is a good thing. But, the more I look into this, the less likely I am to do it. The easy way, disengaging the IWEs won't work for me, since my 2023 Lariat doesn't have 'em. And, I don't need it more than 5 or 10 times per year, so I'm just gonna use it like it is.

You have a TOD transfer case and can use 4L. The TC doesn't lock, it's a clutch. You have zero concerns for engaging it for this purpose.

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