Hey guys im new to the site, I read alot of post that help me with other problems on this site and it seems people on here respond very quickly so I wanted to be a member...

Here is whats going on I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD

I would put the truck in 4wd and the 4WD dash lite would come on but the truck would only go in sometimes other times my front diff would clank and my front axles wouldnt engage,

So I checked the vacuum at the actuator it has strong vacuum and switches sides when I put it in 4wd like normal, So I pulled out the actuator and tested it the fork moved perfect very stiff when engaged BUT the fork itself was really warn and damaged, So I replaced the fork with a new one from dodge about an hour ago and as soon as I istalled the 4wd actuator and started the truck my 4wd lite was on but the shifter was in 2wd

So I put the shifter in 4hi and tested it out on some soft dirt the 4wd works perfect now but when I shift it into 2wd the lite stays on and has never done that before

I got under the truck started it left the shifter in 2wd and checked the front driveshaft and it spins freeley so i moved the shifter into 4hi and the front driveshaft was locked up like its supposed to. So the transfer case is engaging and disengaging like normal but it seems like my front axles are still locked and causing my lite to stay on

What can I check for??

 

i wonder if the cad bushing/collar that the fork rides on are sticking or worn out also being as your fork was worn

 

I believe the 4x4 light is controlled by a plunger switch attached to the cad unit. That switch may be damaged or stuck. I would try that first.

 

Got it fixed guys, I wasnt paying attention and put the shift fork on backwards

4wd works great will post pic of the offroading later on, thanks for the suggestions

 

awesome