Fried IWE actuators?

[Dane]

I am definitely leaning toward deleting the IWEs, especially since I'm making 200+ hp over stock now, I could easily see an IWE shattering.

I've never shattered one - though I've broken a CV. Dorman now makes an IWE delete as an alternative to the RCV delete kit - and it's much cheaper. I haven't heard feedback on them though. It's basically the IWE without any actuation, just always engaged. It has blank plugs to seal your vacuum lines too.

 

[letsgetthisdone]

Mine didn't "explode" per so, it just slipped/failed to maintain lock. Regardless, it failed.

Once they've been grinding like yours have, they already need replaced anyways or they'll slip on you offroad in high load situations. Might as well delete them since it's gonna be apart. The RCV deletes are only $150.

 

[Dane]

Once they've been grinding like yours have, they already need replaced anyways or they'll slip on you offroad in high load situations. Might as well delete them since it's gonna be apart. The RCV deletes are only $150.

Oh wow, you're right. They've come WAY down in price. The RCV is cheaper than the Dorman option I just listed.

 

[letsgetthisdone]

Yeah man, they're a deal for what they are.

 

[vegascarnut]

I just ordered the deletes from RCV. Just makes the most sense. Front-wheel drive cars have CVs turning all the time, no biggie. Plus with the extra power I'm making, I could use the extra contact area on the RCV couplers—AND, I like fixing stuff once! This seems to be as one-and-done as it gets. I'll be happier and more confident with this setup. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Dane]

Yeah man, they're a deal for what they are.

I have the thicker ones. They were seriously spendy. They did solve any engagement issues, but vacuum issues still happen. I've considered the delete as well.

 

[vegascarnut]

I've never shattered one - though I've broken a CV. Dorman now makes an IWE delete as an alternative to the RCV delete kit - and it's much cheaper. I haven't heard feedback on them though. It's basically the IWE without any actuation, just always engaged. It has blank plugs to seal your vacuum lines too.

The Dorman version has a narrower contact area at the gear, like stock. The RCVs are much wider, and they are one solid piece. It's a solid case of more is more AND less is more. Haha.

 

[vegascarnut]

Got under the truck last night and found that the driver side axle has about 1/4” of movement in and out of the back of the hub. I’m assuming the axle nut has worked its way off. Looks like the nut does not support the hub bearing? I haven’t felt any vibration, so seems it just secures the shaft.

Vac tested the actuators and that side has a leak also.

Cant wait to delete these stupid IWE hubs.

 

[letsgetthisdone]

Yeah. The axle nut is small, only torqued to 30ftlbs. Doesn’t do anything for the bearing.

 

[B E N]

Check your CV boots while you are in there. That cv nut only requires 20 ft lbs so don't go all gorilla on it, IIRC those are a nyloc type nut, if that is the case you need to replace the nut when you do the job or it will just back out again. On the IWE delete: never leave a vacuum hose unplugged, unmetered air is bad for an engine.