Hardwired Lockers with OEM Knob

[myoung84]

Is it wrong that I feel all warm and fuzzy inside every time there is an update to this thread?

Not at all.

Just to give an update, I am unable to source the 4 pin connector that's a couple feet upstream of the axle plug. I was hoping to use this connector since it will be a cleaner look, but I have to order 1200 connectors and wait 14 weeks if I want them! Ouch! So, we'll just have to take the wiring harness all the way down to the front axle.

[Pit Slave]

WOW! that's a lot of relays. Couldn't you do that wtih some logic circuits and solid state drivers?

Yes you can. Myoung and I were talking about that today. This is more of a walk before you run solution and using relays is a tried and true method. The logic side of it as well as the driver circuits will come in time as we learn the in depth function on the smart bar electronics.

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[Pit Slave]

Haha I had to break for food mid type!

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[verdesardog]

the relays will probably more reliable too....

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Is it wrong that I feel all warm and fuzzy inside every time there is an update to this thread?

LOL- at least I'm not the only one.

[myoung84]

the relays will probably more reliable too....

That was my thoughts as well. The last thing I want is to get 20+ of these out in the field and logic boards start failing. I [will] stand by the stuff that I will build and this makes repairs much more difficult. If a relay or relay board fails, I can ship a new one out and most customers can replace it themselves. Also, say 5 years down the road, I may not be around (I hope I am) and these need to be simple enough for someone else to troubleshoot if there is an issue.

Also, after talking with Pit today, digging into the smartbar itself and controlling the electric disconnect is a much bigger undertaking than the lockers. We're talking replacing circuit boards and that's something most people with warranties won't want to do. What I have planned is going to be very easy to install and remove.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I think for most of us the sway bar is the least of our concerns. I honestly only use the sway bar when I'm messing around- I've actually never needed it. The lockers on the other hand are a huge reason all of us bought the Power Wagon. When I'm in deep snow I need to know the lockers are going to work, not hope they are going to work.

[JBM Power Wagon]

the relays will probably more reliable too....

That was my thoughts as well. The last thing I want is to get 20+ of these out in the field and logic boards start failing. I [will] stand by the stuff that I will build and this makes repairs much more difficult. If a relay or relay board fails, I can ship a new one out and most customers can replace it themselves. Also, say 5 years down the road, I may not be around (I hope I am) and these need to be simple enough for someone else to troubleshoot if there is an issue.

Also, after talking with Pit today, digging into the smartbar itself and controlling the electric disconnect is a much bigger undertaking than the lockers. We're talking replacing circuit boards and that's something most people with warranties won't want to do. What I have planned is going to be very easy to install and remove.

I don't think we need to change the smartbar. I just like the idea of hardwired lockers and the Evo manual disconnect for the smartbar.

[myoung84]

I've got everything figured out and will be ordering parts tomorrow.

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[04Ram2500Hemi]

I've got everything figured out and will be ordering parts tomorrow.

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[BlkWgn]

here

[myoung84]

Parts for the prototype of my "Smartbar Locker Bypass" have been ordered.

[ScottWagon1]

Parts for the prototype of my "Smartbar Locker Bypass" have been ordered.

Hope his works for the sway bar too. With these new tires I don't have a traction problem as much as a rough ride problem! Having the sway bay disconnected is the biggest ride improvement on the rough roads hunting.


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[wingerak92]

Parts for the prototype of my "Smartbar Locker Bypass" have been ordered.

Hope his works for the sway bar too. With these new tires I don't have a traction problem as much as a rough ride problem! Having the sway bay disconnected is the biggest ride improvement on the rough roads hunting.


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Have people been having issues with the away bad? I haven't had an issue with mine, just the standard locker issue.
I normally disconnect the sway bar when I'm off roading because I have been off camber a few times and without it I would have felt like tipping haha

[myoung84]

This will not work with the sway bar. After talking with Pit Slave, the electronics for the sway bar disconnect is much more involved.

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[ScottWagon1]

Parts for the prototype of my "Smartbar Locker Bypass" have been ordered.

Hope his works for the sway bar too. With these new tires I don't have a traction problem as much as a rough ride problem! Having the sway bay disconnected is the biggest ride improvement on the rough roads hunting.


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Have people been having issues with the away bad? I haven't had an issue with mine, just the standard locker issue.
I normally disconnect the sway bar when I'm off roading because I have been off camber a few times and without it I would have felt like tipping haha

No sway bar issues with me. Been good so far and used it a bunch. Found a truck though-flat ground wheels straight seems to engage and disengage quicker.


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[BlkWgn]

Have people been having issues with the away bad? I haven't had an issue with mine, just the standard locker issue.
I normally disconnect the sway bar when I'm off roading because I have been off camber a few times and without it I would have felt like tipping haha

my sway bar has not reconnected in a year and a half

[cruz]

Parts for the prototype of my "Smartbar Locker Bypass" have been ordered.

myoung84, will this mod work on an '05 switch like below ? I don't know what a 4G switch set-up looks like.

[myoung84]

Yes and no. The electronics should work but I don't think the plugs under the hood are the same.

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[wingerak92]

No sway bar issues with me. Been good so far and used it a bunch. Found a truck though-flat ground wheels straight seems to engage and disengage quicker.


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Yeah I always try to find a nice staging area to disconnect/reconnect the sway bar and get set up.

[myoung84]

For those that are interested, here's the diagram for the plug at the smart bar. If you notice, there's no wires that can engage the sway bar disconnect, it's all internal to the smartbar. Manual control of the disconnect is much more involved than the lockers and would require modifications to the electronics within the smartbar...

Also, I really wish I could purchase the male and female ends of the locker plug. Having a single T harness to insert between the smartbar plug would be awesome!

[Pit Slave]

Another thing to note is the pin out on the smart bar is different from year to year.

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[myoung84]

The plugs showed up yesterday along with 800' of wire! Hopefully the relay board will be here this week...



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[04Ram2500Hemi]

I like where this going!!!

[TrueBlue13PW]

Good luck keep us updated on the status