My 4wd slips in and out when the manual shifter is 4hi. The 4wd light will also go out, then the subsequent clank of the front wheel drive disengaging. As soon as I let off the gas, the light will come back on, then the clank of the front wheel drive re-engaging.
This has been sporadic and doesn't do it when I bring it to my mechanic (yet).
He tells me this generation RAM truck uses vacuum to engage/disengage the front wheel drive. What exactly is going out? Precisely what needs to be fixed/replaced?
2000 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT (5.2)

 

Sounds like it is not fully engaging or slipping out, possibly due to loss of vacuum. Go take a look at posi-lok. It's a cable operated 4wd system.

 

Thanks dbbd1- I'll look into it. Posi-lok.

 

Here's a link...

http://4x4posi-lok.com

 

Thank you again. Before I purchase and install this kit, what makes this better than replacing the OEM vacuum components? Is this a problematic set up from the factory?
My truck has 161K miles on it and it looks like this slipping in and out has just started happening. Will replacing the old OEM parts with new OEM parts give me another 100K miles?

 

It should give you more than that. The problem is with the vacuum actuator and/or vacuum lines. The actuator will give it up, the lines can rust and start to leak. Or, sometimes, it's just fickle ( as you can tell). The posi is a mechanical setup and not prone to the whimsy of the vacuum or actuator.

 

Yeah I've always preferred direct mechanical engagement as opposed to fly-by-wire or vacuum. I had an old Ford F250 with vacuum engaged Fwd and it was problematic also.
Thanks for the info. I'll be ordering Posi-Lok.

 

When i bought my truck the vacuum lines were rotted off and my axle was locked in full timr. It did have its benefits but mpg and performance hurt. Posi-lok is an amazing system and very easy to install(as long as you break off any of the 4 heads like i did, 3 bolts hold just fine). I wish i bought it sooner, you definitely wont regret your purchase, especially for $130.