Hey All,

Just wondering in detail what all I would need to make my truck (or maybe a 3/4 ton truck that I am slightly contemplating) into a Jeep Quadradrive 2 setup; or atleast very similar.

 

Well, actual Quadradrive II is out, since it's a Jeep only thing. I have it on my Overland and hated it when I first bought it. Didn't like the fact that I had no control over 4x4 operation. But I have to admit, it didn't take long to start seeing the advantages of it.

Completely unique system which is fantastic off-road, but is stupid crazy to get parts for and repair if it fails. Also, it requires it's own special fluids that are only available from a Jeep dealer (and are also stupid costly).

You could set up something that would yield about the same results if you had a 2nd Gen 1500 or a 3rd Gen 2500/3500, but without a solid front axle, you can only really approximate the QDII rear in a 3rd Gen Ram 1500, the front IFS is going to be open no matter what you do...

 

Ah, ok, didn't know all of that. So what is needed for a similar set up that you mention...if I were to get a 3rd gen 2500 (or 1500 mega cab?) ?

Also, what all would entail to build an exact quadradrive 2 on another truck? Basically, I have a 86 w150 that I am building into a mudder. I don't think the axles would be wide enough if I were to get a wrecked jeep for the drivetrain...so are the axles themselves special? Or could I use the original axles on the truck and steal everything else needed from a Jeep?

 

Forget the Quadradrive II on a full size truck as the components are only built for the Dana 44 and 30 Vari-Lok axles which are no where near stout enough to support a full size truck.

Basically the QDII system utilizes a gerotor coupling in the Quadra-Trac II NV247 transfer case and in the Vari-Lok front and rear progressive axles to send torque to the front driveshaft and/or from side-to-side within each axle when wheel slippage occurs.

Since it's basically a fully integrated system it would be just about impossible to duplicate. This is the ONLY 4WD system on the planet to my knowledge that can transfer ALL of the engines power to a single tire if it is the only one with grip.

IMO the best alternative would be to put selective lockers in the axles of a truck with a SFA whether they be air or electrically controlled. This would give you the advantage of having a completely open differential when traction is good and a true locker in both axles at the flip of a switch. Kinda manually simulating what QDII gives you automatically.

 

Sounds like you've done some research..lol

HMG, I would have to agree with what Hammer is saying. The first thing that came to mind when you said All-time 4wd which is what the Quadratrac basically is...Is not going to be near stout enough for a 2500.
A 2500 has too much weight and turning mass involved, a 1500 AWD set-up, or any retro-fitted OEM set-ups....just won't work.
Now for the w150...It might work if you got real creative, but things are gonna break. OEM stuff isn't meant for the rugged trails to begin with.
Like Hammer said. E-lockers front/back is nice for offroading. Roadriving to the trails at a flip of a switch. Or you could do a Limited slip for the front and an e-locker out back . That would allow easier trail driving.

 

Ok, I guess I am over the QDII on a truck, even though it'd be pretty sweet...Ram should borrow the technology for the Power Wagon or something, but I guess until they decide to duplicate and produce it, it seems too complicated to try duplicating as an individual. Anyway, what do you guys think would be the best set up for my mudder? LSD and E-lockers was mentioned...which makes sense, but I'm not sure I plan to make it an on-road/off-road truck, or if I want it as strictly a toy that gets trailered to the trails.

Thanks for the info thus far

 

If your making a mudder, than what you want is a power wagon. Screw the quadradrive... what you want is front and rear lockers, power and tall/skinny/aggressive tires.

 

Would e-lockers or the auto lockers be a better set up? Like mentioned, It is probably going to be trailered, but not fully decided yet.

 

I would just go with a full on Detroit locker. Hell, maybe even spools for a mudder that doesn't see pavement... cheap and stout. If money isn't an object, get some selectable lockers... best of both worlds.

 

I love the factory selectable lockers on my; Dodge Ram Power Wagon (electronically-actuated) and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (air-actuated). These are TRUE 4X4s. The majority of other 4X4s, Jeep with Quadra-Drive excluded, or only 4X2s (open differentials) or at the most a 4X2-1/2 (when equipped with a limited-slip rear differential). False advertising if you ask me.