i have a 99 dodge ram 4x4, 3" body lift, 305x70r16 tires, sport package, fully loaded. my question is: i can put truck into 4H just fine, but 4L grinds and will not go in, what could cause this? nothing is bent and everything is hooked up that i see and i just used 4L a week ago. any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
joe

 

Are you following this procedure?
--------------------------------
4H to 4L or 4L to 4H

Slow the vehicle to under 3 mph (5 kmh), 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 into 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. If difficulty occurs, shift transmission to Neutral (N), hold foot on brake, turn engine off, and THEN make the shift to desired mode.

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

 

i know your not supost to shift like you said from 4L in or out but what about from 2H to 4H. I always stop first, just figured it would be better for it in the long run but i just wanted to check.

 

i have never had a problem with this in the past. this is the 4th or 5th 4x4 i've ever owned and this is the first i've had that did this. i have no problem goin into 4H, but it just sits there and grinds when i try to go into 4L. the truck is auto, 5.9l 360. i always make sure truck is on flat surface, stopped, and in nuetral when i put it into 4wd. any help or things to check out will be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
joe

 

You can shift into 4H from 2H on the fly at speeds UNDER 50mph. The truck is designed to do this. It doesn't work that well in the winter though.

As far as the problem in the thread goes, are you positive you're not pausing (or getting stuck) in Neutral....like my first post advised? If so, then maybe the shift lever needs adjustment. Here's the procedure for that: http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/t-case_adj.htm

Or maybe your transfer case is going bad....

 

i need to change the chain in my transfer case. it makes a banging sound when ever its i 4H or 4L . can i do it myself ? I was told the chain cost around 100. PS: sorry to jack your thred

 

Depending on how much skill you have (and available tools), you could probably do it. It's not terribly easy, but it's doable. I've never had one of the 2nd gen t-cases apart, but I know for sure that you'd have to remove the input/output shafts and split the case. I know for some of the older new process (NP) cases, you also needed a special tool for removing the shafts. If you didn't have it, a gazillion needle bearings would fall out when you pulled the shaft. I'm not sure if the newer ones are like that or not (I sure hope not). If you can get a hold of a service manual, that would be your best guide.

 

It's actually easier for it to go in if you're rolling at a couple miles per hour - if the teeth aren't lined up at a standstill you've got to force it until something spins to engage. If you're rolling you can put constant pressure on it and then it'll click right in. 4-low should not cause a problem though, unless it's as he said and something is out of whack.

 

I have the exact same issue with 98 QC 5.9L 4x4- please let me know if you find out what will fix this. BTW- mine's not lifted- so it must not be your lift.

 

as soon as i figure it out i will post up what i found. same for u tho, if u figure it out let me know. i found a shop where i live that said they would check it out and let me know what they think it is for free, so im probably goin to take truck by there some time this week. ill let everyone know what comes about that.

joe