Hey guys i just got my 97 dodge dakota 4x4. Got it with the lift, tires, etc. I know its a dumb question but how do i engage it into 4x4 without grinding?

 

4 hi, or 4 lo? 4 hi, you should be able to shift into 4 hi while on the move, up to like 50 mph..... just let off the gas, give the stick a sharp yank, and then back on the gas. To get into 4 lo, you have to be moving less than 3 mph, off the gas, and shift QUICKLY into 4 lo. If you hesitate at all, you'll get stuck in neutral, and it will make all sorts of rude noises trying to get in back in gear.

 

Is there any way I can shift while in park or neutral or even fully stopped in drive

 

You can try it, but, don't expect it to work. you basically want the driveline unloaded while shifting into 4 wheel drive. If there is tension on the driveline, you simply won't be able to shift. If you put the trans in neutral, a fair bit of stuff is still spinning in there, and will still apply some pressure to the trans output shaft, making shifting difficult. Best bet is to be moving slowly, and shift quickly, foot off the gas.

 

You can go in and out of 4 high at any speed, to shift into 4 low you have to have the transmission in neutral and be stopped or moving slowly.