Put it in neutral first, thn change to wat ever u want ,

 

4hi can shift on the go at speeds under 40MPH. 4Lo requires neutral and a complete stop. I usually have the truck rolling then put it in neutral then shift into 4lo as it engages quicker that way.

 

I have a 2001 dodge ram 2500 5.9 cummins and it seems i have tried all these ways of shifting into 4 wheel drive and ill get an occasional grind but other than that she works good, how bad is this to the tranfer and or tranny i thought i would ask cuz dodge isnt known for its amazing tranny thanks

 

For shifting from 2 hi, to 4 hi, I just let off the gas, and give the expensive stick a yank. Works fine. Getting into 4 lo can be a bit more interesting, but, I have found that moving DEAD SLOW, letting off the gas, and giving the stick a hard pull works fairly well.

 

Double post

 

2H to 4H or 4H to 2H
Shift while moving at any legal speed. The shift will be easier if you momentarily release the accelerator pedal. Apply a constant force while shifting the transfer case lever. 4H is to be used for traction when driving in rain, snow, mud or sand or when driving off-road. Never drive in 4H on dry paved roads.

Note: During cold weather (below 30F.) it may be more difficult to shift the transfer case while the vehicle is moving. If so, stop the vehicle and shift. Move the vehicle forward or backward to complete positive engagement of the gears.

4H to 4L or 4L to 4H

Slow the vehicle to under 3mph shift an automatic transmission to N (Neutral) or depress the clutch on a manual transmission. Shift the transfer case lever to the right and pull firmly down to 4L. Do not pause in transfer case N (Neutral)

Note: Pausing in transfer case N (Neutral) in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may require shutting the engine off to avoid gear clash while completing the shift.

Do not attempt to shift to or from 4L while transmission is in gear or clutch is engaged.

 

My old man swore the truck had to be turned off to go into 4lo, when I did it with the engine running in neutral he of course said that it was because I didn't care what I broke haha.
But yes it can be shifted with the engine running most of the time, I have found like stated before that a little movent of the vehicle helps, (I ike to shift on a hill so that if I feel it not fully engage I can let off the brake a little and help it) sometimes though mine will just refuse to shift into lo with the engine running so I turn it off and complete my shift

 

Us Grrrls with Big Trucks sometimes have to use Techno Babble to distract the uninitiated, non-gearhead guys, too. Give the gals a REAL answer, because *SURPRISE!* maybe they REALLY do want to know! My 1st BF explanations made me fall hard for trucks, and I've owned nothing but for 40 years.