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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
No you can't. If the t-case is munched up inside, putting it in 4wd would only make it worse. Driving your truck on dry pavement in four wheel drive is also a very good way to break parts.
If it is the trans that is the issue, putting your truck in 4wd would make zero difference.
The codes need to be checked, simple as that. The transfer case is not going to set off a CEL. If it shifts fine and goes in and out of 4wd fine, I'd say neither of the two are the problem. Plus the only time there was any kind of noise (according to the OP) is when the truck was sitting still and his wife revved the engine. Unless I read the OP's replies wrong, there was no noise otherwise, just a loss of power/speed.