I recently acquired a 1985 Dodge Ram 250 Prospector from my Uncle after he passed away. It is a 318 4 speed truck with 4wd. I am just curious if anyone could give me the proper sequence for engaging the 4 wheel drive. I have never really messed around with a truck of this age. I would like to have a good idea of what I am doing before I give it a try. Thanks.

 

First we have to know what kind of locking hubs you have if any. They could be manual hubs automatic hubs or vacuum axle locks that don't have locking hubs. Describe what the ends of the front axles look like. Are there 6-8 screws around the hub or is it just a metal cap? Is there a recessed piece that you can turn in the middle of the hub?

 

I will check all of the above questions. I assumed that the Ram-Trac automatic case was the only available method. Her intructions (as explained to her by him) were to put everything in neutral, shift the lever into 4HI, and you were good to go. I am 99.9% sure it is not a manual locking hub ( have seen those before). Sorry for being light on information. I have only had it a few days, and it has been way to cold to go outside and mess with it.

 

The proper procedure depends on what you have. I can shift into and out of 4HI while my truck is in gear and moving. Don't try this until you know what you have.

 

My Aunt found the 4wd procedure card and owner's manual.

It states:

4wd can be engaged with the truck moving (up to 25mph) by easing off the accelerator and moving the selection lever from 2HI to 4HI.

If stopped, it says to put the manual transmission in 3rd, move the lever from 2HI to 4HI, and engage and disengage the clutch (I would assume with the motor off, as it would kill the motor with it running - sounds like a dumb statement, but you'd be suprised sometimes).

Thanks for all the help. I will get back with the hub discription for informational purposes once the snow quits around here.

 

Smooth metal cap, no screws and no manual locking hubs.

 

You have a vacuum operated 44-8FD or 44F-BJ Spicer front axle also known as Ramtrac. The difference is minimal. On top of the axle just below the drivers feet you will find a vacuum operated shift motor that locks the axles automatically. You also have a New Process 241 transfer case.

To shift between 4HI and 2HI you can do it while moving or when setting still. If moving don't jerk the shifter, just use a steady pull or push on the shifter. When sitting still you may be in park, neutral, or any gear but you may have to move the vehicle after the shift to get it to engage the axles.

To go in and out of 4LOW you must stop and shift the transmission to neutral or depress the clutch if manual. Shift the transfer case lever without hesitation. Do not linger in the neutral position or you may have to shut off the engine to get it in any other position. Do not shift into 4LOW with the vehicle in gear.

 

Do you need to be under 25 MPH to shift to 4 wheel drive with the vacuum shift like the card says?

I guess I should read the book on my 93 vacuum shift W250

 

All of the paper work I have including the original owners manual does not address speed. I have never tried to shift into 4HI above 25 MPH. My opinion is, if conditions allow you to go over 25 miles an hour in 2 wheel drive, why do you need to go into 4 wheel drive. If you have something in writing that limits speed I would follow it.

 

I read the owners manual for my vacuum shift 1993 W250 this afternoon and it says if the temperature is below 30º F. shift to 4 Wheel drive at speeds below 25 MPH. The instructions on the sun visor say shift at any speed.

Seal, I shift my Dodge Nitro in and out of 4 wheel drive at speeds up to at least 50 MPH all the time. I will expect to do the same with my W250. But then I am driving on Nebraska goat trails most of the time!

Perhaps I am driving on somewhat slick roads that are fairly flat and I am approaching a steep hill where rear wheel slip will be occurring I go for 4. Or after a rain some of the road will be nearly dry and other parts of it will still be wet and sloppy again I go for 4.

One thing that Nitro with its traction control system has taught me is that wheel slippage occurs much more often then you realize. Driving in 2 wheel drive on slick surfaces one is amazed at how often the warning light flashes showing the traction control is operating.