I have a 2000 Ram 1500 Quad-cab 4x4 5.9, lifted with 35's and my wife has a 2002 Durango 4x4, 4.7 stock. We are planning to go to Colorado for Christmas. I know I can use my truck in 4hi on the snow/ice roads, just use more gas! I need to know if the Durango can be used in the same way. The Durango has only 2 options...2wd and 4lock (**** on dash). I crawled underneath and it's a nv133. Does this transfer case have some type of built in "slip" for using in snow/ice conditions on the highway? To save gas I'm leaning toward taking the D, but I don't want to tear it up! Any info would be helpful. THANKS

 

Welcome to DF
This may help.
DESCRIPTION
The NV133 is an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

The geartrain is mounted in two aluminum case halves attached with bolts. The mainshaft front and rear bearings are mounted in aluminum retainer housings bolted to the case halves.

OPERATING RANGES
Transfer case operating ranges are:

2WD (2-wheel drive)
4HI (4-wheel drive)
The 2WD range is for use on any road surface at any time.

The 4HI range is for off road use only. It is not for use on hard surface roads. The only exception being when the road surface is wet or slippery or covered by ice and snow.

SHIFT MECHANISM
Operating ranges are selected with a dash mounted shift selector switch. The shift selector switch provides a input to the Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) to indicate the driver's desire to change operating ranges. The TCCM uses this input, along with input from the transfer case mounted mode sensor and information from the vehicle's bus, to determine if a shift is permitted. If the TCCM decides the shift is permitted, the TCCM controls the shift motor, mounted to the exterior of the transfer case, to perform the shift.

 

Master Tech: Thanks for replying. So I could put it in 4lock as long as I see nothing but snow and ice on the road, then put it back in 2 for 'dry' stretches or is that still a big no-no?

 

that should be just fine, just dont run it on dry road in 4hi for too long

 

Shrpshtr325: Thanks, it sounds like I might be alright running that way but I'm kinda leaning toward just taking the Ram. Hate to get all the way up there and mess up the D. The D is my wife's baby and if I tear it up I'll never hear the end of it. You never know what trail might call your name during the trip!

 

Personally, I would take the D if you are looking at saving money. You would not be the only person in CO with a D, therefore if you use the 4WD sparingly and when its needed you wont have any problems. I think the the D is a perfect SUV for the snow because they are so heavy and get great traction.

Whereabouts in CO are you headed? I'm from there myself, the Denver Arvada area.

 

Hello penick33. Planning to go up Pikes Peak, then around the Leadville, Aspen area. Went up there as a kid on a summer vacation. Thought I'd take my family up there to see real snow and real mountains! The Ram gets about 10-12 mpgs vs the D at 18-20! Have not been there in the winter so I'm afraid of what conditions I will find.

 

the D should handle the snow just fine, especially if you are taking the entire family with you, in fact i would venture that the D handles snow better than your ram because it has a better balance (front to back) than the ram does, it would be my choice for that as well as comfort for the kids in the back seat.

 

Beautiful country up there man, I am headed back to CO mid October for some mountains and camping. Leadville and Aspen are beautiful of course, but I haven't been to pikes peak during the winter before. I think the D will be just fine brother, its a great SUV and I would take it myself. Good luck with your trip, I dont care what anyone says.. there isn't a better state than CO.

 

Thanks' everyone! I will take the D.