4WD

GABARE96

MEMBER
1997 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

Hello, I just bought my dads truck and he had warned me that the transfer case may be going. Just looking for someone to let me know what else I could check before I replace the transfer case. It doesn't kick in to 4hi or 4lo right away, if at all. Also the 4WD light doesnt come on all the time. 4lo is also hard to shift into and kicks out now and then. When I put in 4hi or 4lo, I stop the vehicle, put it in neutral and slowly shift into gear. Am I doing something wrong or is there an part malfunctioning?

4 Replies

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

It can be hard to tell from not seeing it. Is this 4x4 shifter manual or electronic? Does it require vacuum to control the hubs in the 4x4 system? Check the level and condition of the transfercase.

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Saturday, February 13th, 2016 AT 5:05 AM

GABARE96

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Its manual and from what ive read its vacuum. I was told maybe a bad vacuum line

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Saturday, February 13th, 2016 AT 5:33 AM

JOHNNYT73

MECHANIC
924 POSTS

Ok, then you need to check ALL possible vacuum leaks. Not just on the 4x4 system. If you have low vacuum in your engine system at all it effects your 4x4 system as well. Get a can of throttle body cleaner and spray around for intake leaks. You will hear the rpm change if a leak is detected.

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Saturday, February 13th, 2016 AT 5:41 AM

GABARE96