i have no idea what to do next my 98 ram 1500 has no dash lights when i just replaced the indicator switch, my front wheels arnt locking when i know its got vaccum all new lines and new tcase vaccum switch and still nothing in 4low or hi not sure what else to look for or to check already tried to rotate axel and i couldnt in 4low and then tried to trun front passenger tire while in 4low and couldnt so it passed the test but its not working when i feild tested it today i got stuck in the mud twice. if any one has anyideas or helpful suggestions it would be greatly apreciated thanks again

 

Did you check vacuum at the vacuum switch at the t-case. If you don't have vacuum, then go to the intake manifold and you should have a vacuum line behined the driver side, back of the cylinder head. That vacuum line does melt and cuts off vacuum to the switch. On the dash light. Check all your fuses with a 12 volt test light. I will also move you post the Ram section. This way, someone else can jump in.

 

I went thru this same thing with mine. Your problem may or may not be the same. Whatever it is in the T-case that actuates the vacuum switch would activate it while the truck was still. Once the truck was in motion the vacuum would come and go resulting in 4x4 axle lock up coming and going. I also tried a new switch with no change. I finally put the old switch back in the T-case to block the hole and made an actuator for the new switch that I manually control inside the truck and have had no further problems. My 4x4 light would also come and go with the lock up.

Put the truck in park and 4x4 L or H. Jack up the left front wheel and see if you can turn the left front tire manually. This checks the axle lock up. Now jack up the other side also and see if you can turn either of the front tires manually. This checks the T-case lock up.

Another check would be to pull and plug both vacuum lines to the vacuum motor. Add a short piece of vacuum hose to the outer nipple of the vacuum motor and let it hang open. Now run a vacuum line directly from the engine to the inner nipple of the vacuum motor and try it in the mud.

Just a reminder. I have gotten stuck in the mud and snow with a fully functioning 4x4 system in my truck. The question is; is your 4x4 system working or not .

 

Where do i look for the vacuum on the drivers side? I cant find it. Ive got no vacuum at the t-case.

 

yeah same here im hoping if its melted or damaged like you said it will fix my problems you think you could post a picture as refrence

 

On first Gens you will find a vacuum tree just behind the carb or throttle body slightly to the passengers side of the center of the intake manifold. I am not sure if it is the same place on the 98s and 01s.

Sometimes you just have to get dirty and trace the vacuum lines until you find the one that goes up to the engine. On the first Gens vacuum from the engine is supplied to the vacuum accumulator ball located on the left side of the tranny and then to the T-case switch which has 4 ports. One port goes up to a filtered vacuum vent by the right fender under the hood. The other two ports go to the vacuum motor on the axle.

We first Gen folks are always willing to try to help but you might be better off posting in the 2nd Gen section for specific locations of things.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-64/

 

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/repair/..._engagment.htm

 

Update. One of the 4 lines on transfer case vacuum was broken. Snipped hose and reattached vacuum and we have 4x4 once again.

 

Cool. I love the easy ones.