GEN 1 IWE line?

[svtraptor615]

All right, I’ve got one for y’all. I had my front shocks installed today and the guy who installed the shocks cracked what I believe to be the IWE vacuum line. The truck was making a loud rattling/grinding noise when I got above 20mph so I pulled over and inspected the strut area. I noticed the cracked line and could feel a vacuum. I decided to just fully brake the line completely and test drove the truck and it’s no longer grinding or making any noise. Am I right to think it’s the IWE line? And was it a good move to cut the line? From what I understand, with it cracked the hub was partially engaging causing the grinding and now that I fully separated the line the hub is fully engaged? Am I good to drive until I can repair the line? Any advice helps. TIA.

 

[Bozz]

With the IWE line disconnected/absent, you are now in full time 4WD. Mine is currently the same, needed to replace line and IWE's. Fuel mileage has suffered some.

 

[svtraptor615]

Is there a speed I should keep it under? I can’t get to fixing it until after the weekend

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

Is there a speed I should keep it under? I can’t get to fixing it until after the weekend

i drove mine for at least 2 months before i realized it was the vacuum line. it will wear out the components faster, but wont be a disaster.

 

[W0n70n]

Fully engaged is much better than partial, your transfer case is still in 2wd so you shouldn't notice any binding or anything going around corners since you're only locking the hubs plus many people delete the IWEs all together so you've basically done just that.

Like was said above, a little less gas mileage and a little more wear. Try to avoid getting moisture into the lines as it is a vacuum leak and flooding the IWE won't be good for that until you get it fixed.

 

[svtraptor615]

Thanks for the help, happy to hear I made the right call just cutting the line for the time being so I could drive the truck home.

 

[Nadebothd]

If you replace the lines, infinity overlands website offers a full silicone line replacement kit that is more robust than the factory stuff.

 

[svtraptor615]

Yeah I ordered it, plenty of people said to delete the system but I’d rather keep it. Going with this kit you mentioned.

 

[TomDirt]

If you have access to a Mityvac hand held vacuum pump you can test the (primitive) hub locking system, without the motor running. It's small enough to carry on the truck too. BTW, if the hoses are damaged or removed, definitely plug those hose barbs on the IWE unit asap. Replacing them is a couple fun-filled greasy hours per side.