Hello all, Just traded a box van I had sittin around for a 2001 dodge pickup. Needs some work but seems to run and drive ok. Previous owner told me he was pulling a trailer out of a mud hole in 4 wheel drive and heard a "little pop" and so he tiik it out of 4 wheel drive and "hasent tried it again" translated, I imagine that means big bucks into a new or at least different transfer case. I know nothing about 4 wheel drives. I runs and drive good, I put it in 4 hi and the little light came on on the dash, but stepping on the gas in the snow and dirt just looks like both rear tires spinning but not front. No weird noises, the stick went "in" fine, just not making the front spin. That was ok with me, I still would rather have a good running 3/4 ton than my box van, but still would like to have an idea how to fix and or what I might start out looking at. Thanks for any help, I appreciate it!
Sammy

 

welcome to the site, good to see some more gas 2500s around here. Get used to the term "needs some work" these are Dodges, lol. good thing for you 4wd systems are pretty simple if you know the terminology and where the parts are, dont worry there arent too many.

 

The 4wd light on the dash only means the motor on the front axle has moved into position and pressed the switch that turns on the light. If the fork is broken, you'll still not have 4wd. Other than that, the Xfer case ... hoo boy ...

 

Yeah I just figured t-case. But if it is something more simple than that, even better.
Guess I need to get a book.

 

Save your money ... D/L this:

http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip

 

Check the vac lines, that pop he heard could have just been the front binding up on itself.

 

No 4wd light if the vacuum lines are toast.

 

it could be a possibility of only one off of there....

 

Think about it ... one pulls the motor into 4wd position (and actuates the light) ... the other side pulls it OUT of 4wd and extinguishes the light. If the 4wd one is bad ... no 4wd and no light. If the other one is bad ... well ... I guess that once 4wd is engaged, you won't be able to pull it out and the light will stay on. Since the light turns on and off, I'm guessing that the lines are both good.

 

You will have to forgive me, just let an idiot friend use this account