Hi. gang new to the board just heard about it.
I have a question my 98 ram 1500 quad cab slt 4x4 will not engage the 4x4 it shifts fine and there is no unusual noise from it shifting to or from 4x4 hi or low but my dash indicator light doesn't com on and it's not engaging the 4x4. I used it last winter and it worked fine went to use it about a week ago and that's when i found I have a problem any ideas would be welcomed.

 

there is a CAD unit down on the axle that is supposed to engage both axles, it fails often... take a look there. another source of info is Pavementsucks.com... smart guys over there.

 

The CAD will get sticky if you don't use it very often. I had trouble with mine last week, it went in on the 3rd try. I had to put it in 4-Low, and it engaged, so I went back to 4-high. It may just be sticky and need to get worked free.

 

Thanks guys I also read the post on the board about the 4x4 disengaging I'm not sure what I'm looking for is it a hyd. system or what I'm not a nimrod but this is new to me a discription would sure help along with a general idea of where on the front axle to look I would sure welcome your guidance.

 

If you scroll through that thread you will find a description of it and a location. From what I have seen in the Dodge Service Manual I have it is square with a round actuator attached to it with a couple of vacuum lines going to it. I beleive it was on the passenger side of the axle. Just look for the vacuum lines running to it.

 

Yah, you'll have 2 vacuum lines running between the CAD and the T-case. The CAD (center axle disconnect) is in the middle of the passenger side axle tube. You'll see a cast housing that's about a foot long and larger diameter than the tube itself. That is the CAD housing. The vacuum lines and actuator are on the back side of that. The vacuum lines run down the passenger side frame rail, across the transmission crossmember, and up to the top driver's side of the T-case. If one or both of those lines are bad, you won't get the front end to engage. Or you might have stuff stuck together in the CAD.

It's a good rule of thumb to engage 4wd at least once a month for a short time to keep everything moving. I don't do that myself, mostly cause I have a horrible memory, but it's still a good idea.

 

Thanks guys you've been a big help at least now I have an idea what I'm looking for.