Aftermarket electronic silonoids?

[Hawk258]

ok anyone know if there is any silonoids and relays powerful enough to engage our 4wd systems? I am considering building a set up that would allow for true push button operation. As I would want to keep it in reach of the shifter but not in the way of accidental activation. anyone attempt this yet?

[GRONK]

How much pressure are you looking for?  How much throw?  Do you need a push/pull solenoid?

[carnuck]

Transfercase, axle or both? GM gave up on the axle ones, even though they had the strongest

[GRONK]

There is always the cable option too.  This is simple and readily available for under $75.

[Hawk258]

need about 1 inch worth of travel push and pull, about 1 to 2 lbs preferably.

[BenM]

The trouble with solenoids isn't just the transition force, but being able to remain engaged so the case doesn't pop into neutral. It would either have to have a holding coil, as the heavy switching coil would draw a lot of power, or it would have to over-center a spring that would keep pressure on the lever.

The case doesn't just shift when you flip the switch, but the vac motor holds pressure so that when the splines line up for the shift it will pop in, then it keeps the lever solidly engaged. The only "electric" option I've really come up with would be to use one of the vacuum electric "emissions" solenoids and actuate that with a switch.

[twoslowinwyo]

have you thought about using linear actuators? they can be adj. for almost any throw and have a lot of holding power. check out  www.speedwaymotors.com hope this helps. LAZ

[Hawk258]

That does look far more forgiving, only thing is size, some of them don't look all that small. but I will keep my eyes open. I may have to also make a stop point for engaging and disengaging as they look like they have a fair amount of power.

[Hawk258]

here we go, I think I found the system, now just need to wire it up.

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Linear-Actuator-is-suitable-for-closed-loop-locking-systems-800888

[GRONK]

Looks simple enough.  Most Access Control solenoids will do this too.  Readily available and inexpensice.  I still vote cable.

[vangremlin]

I still vote cable.

Gronk, do you have an off the shelf plan in mind?

[GRONK]

Well the cable kits are off the shelf and available.  The look nice too.  nothing is as sure as a cable.  I'd trust that over anything.

[captspillane]

Novak makes a cable shifter that uses a Cherokee low range handle but eliminates the crazy floor mounted linkages. Thats an even better option than the YJ conversion lever I'm using on my red SX4. I would never consider an electric option when a cheaper, easier, and more reliable option exists.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/sk2xc.htm

In comparison this is the prior lever bracket I've been using. Its just the bracket, it doesn't come with the lever. You need to source the lever and detent plate from a YJ:

http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/pn-715545/

[Hawk258]

I totally understand "Simplicity" but I am one of those that If I build it and something does fail, I know what and how to fix it. I like gadgets honestly. and Eagles aren't exactly simplistic in my mind. I figure plan, plan, plan. and figure out how to make a car that has plenty of enjoyment and uncluttered controls. as this would be integrated into my touchscreen Control center managed by the audrino controller and gauge package. one of the reasons for this is I am adding one more gauge that I feel ALL auto manufacturers should have in EVERY car... an hour counter. I am going to have machanical main gauge cluster but also a system to record Hours per gallon, and record engine stats as well as a running total of average RPM. and average distance per trip. This will give me an idea of cost per hour in maintainance as well as give me an idea of how to improve driving habits. additionally it will also help me consider the various differences of off and on road driving and the mileage differences between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive. 

[captspillane]

This is the microprocessor I suggest using. There is a series of tutorials and lots of compatible gadgets. I like this one because it comes with an intergrated power source, battery terminal, learning resources, laptop interface with driver software, and breadboard for prototyping. Any program written in C can be compiled by the included software.

http://www.c-stamp.com/