Searched but didn't find a similar issue. Bought new, has 206k miles. While driving on Christmas day, it seemed to come out of gear. Just revs in drive or reverse. Switched to 4hi and was able to get her home. Thanks in advance for an ideas. This is my daughters transportation to school, need some ideas

 

well if its drives in 4wd but not in AWD i would start looking at the rear end, take the diff cover off and see what it looks like?, also check the universals (i think they will be fine bc you would have likely noticed if they broke and the driveshaft fell off)

just so that you are aware what is going on is that when you put the truck in 4hi (in this case) it sounds like you are driving the truck as if it were front wheel drive.

 

It could just as easily be something wrong with the front half of the drive-train in this case too. Other than that I agree with shrp.

 

Could be the output shaft lost it's lock ring. Very notable on a NV241.

1. Remove the rear drive shaft from the rear yoke.
2. Slide the drive shaft out and off the spines on the transfer case. A little fluid may be lost here.
3. Remove the transfer case tail housing.
4. Observe the lock ring and replace if damaged or out of place. I got mine from a tractor supply company but now the dealers have better replacements than OEM.

See section 21 - 517 (real page 1808) in the 2002 Durango Service Manual.



Oh by the way, you said this is a 4.7L when I really think you mean it's a 5.9L or a different transfer case then AWD. I am unaware of a 4.7L AWD stock OEM.

 

Check both front diff output shafts, could be one has come apart from the CV JOINT.
Same thing happens when one wheel comes of the ground in AWD, you need to shift to 4HI to get moving again. I own an 01 Sport with 4.7 and AWD.