Ok, been reading a few writeups on how to manually shift between 1st and 2nd gear with the AW4, also have been seeing a manual torque converter lockup switch. I don't understand what the TC lockup accomplishes, from what I understand it would just put more engine torque to the wheels while locked up, so what situations offroad would this be a good idea to engage?

 

Lock-up means less/no converter slippage.......good at hwy speeds....better mpg.... cooler running tranny. Wouldn't think lock-up would be good off-road.

 

Might it be useful in pseudo-braking on a hill descent? If there is less slippage wouldn't it also be good for hill climbs?

 

you do not want to use the tc lockup at low rpms, you will know right away.
If you stop with it locked up, it will most likely stall. If you floor it with it locked up, it will slip and jerk. Theres a reason it locks up where it does.

I do think it would be nice for 1st or 2nd down hill engine braking though.

 

do you have the link for the 1/2 manual lock? that would be awful nice to have in the snow.

 

 

check out my build thread
i have a shift rail that allows me to hold it in any gear i choose 1-4
and a manual tc lockup

 

yes, add a diode anywhere voltage can flow back into the tcu.
I used a 1N5400 diode.