1988 D44 - Actuator?

[Mastersntx]

Ok, just picked up a 1988 4x4 Short Box.  The D44 has this lovely item on it and I searched, but cannot seem to find any info on that it is.

 

Any ideas?

[eaglescout526]

That’s what we famously call the height sensing valve. It is for the rear brakes. It’s so that way when you have a heavy load, you’ll get better braking in the rear than the front. It doesn’t have anything to do with the axle other than the rod connected to it to help move the height valve up and down. 

[Jesse J]

thanks for asking this I was wondering the same thing but was too scared to ask. Is it good, bad, meh? 

Also go add it to the registry one of these kind folks will get you a build sheet 

[eaglescout526]

Well it’s a good part to have. Most bypass it but it works as it should if it still works. It can be tested by disconnecting the rod and zip tying it upward for maximum “load” to per say. If you stop faster and quicker, it works. If you stop the same then something is wrong with it and it’s not giving more braking power. 

[Jesse J]

Just now, eaglescout526 said:

Well it’s a good part to have. Most bypass it but it works as it should if it still works. It can be tested by disconnecting the rod and zip tying it upward for maximum “load” to per say. If you stop faster and quicker, it works. If you stop the same then something is wrong with it and it’s not giving more braking power. 

ok cool. I'm assuming if I where to lift I'd need to lengthen the arm 

[eaglescout526]

Just now, Jesse J said:

ok cool. I'm assuming if I where to lift I'd need to lengthen the arm 

Precisely. HOrnbrod did a write up on an adjustable one that won’t have the plastic clips brake in the future. 

[Jesse J]

3 minutes ago, eaglescout526 said:

Precisely. HOrnbrod did a write up on an adjustable one that won’t have the plastic clips brake in the future. 

kool thanks for your help (on the cluster thing as well)

[Mastersntx]

Thanks a bunch!

 

[eaglescout526]

No problem. Happy to share the knowledge stuck in my head.