I bought a 1997 ram 1500 with a 5.2L at 4x4. When I attempt to engage 4hi (moving at about 25mph foot off gas, on snow/dirt) it will bang LOUD and then grind, sometimes it seem like it has engaged, but when I accelerate it grinds terrible and again bangs hard. I have checked and have good vacuum, good shift fork and collar and are wrking perfect, ujoints and axles are good. The bang and grind do seem to be coming from the tcase.
Any thoughts?
I have done a lot of reading and in case it is the tcase, how do I match up another one cuz I wont be buying new. My numbers are:

231D
5210 5367
6 6 972 (i think I'm missing a # I'll check tomorrow)
272
Where can I find what these # all mean? I need to understand, not just be told yep it'll work. I dont want to buy one and find out the shift pattern is wrong or something.
I also have read to be sure the splines are the same (duh), well, I'm still using the truck so how do I know. Thanks for any help, BBA

 

You have the np231. Look around your area to find one. Try and find one that's close to your year truck

 

I dont know if just the shift linkage is different or if the tcase is set up different, but I know the 94-97 have a different shift pattern than the 98-01 does

 

Sounds like the guides on the shift forks just need to be replaced cheap simple fix if you don't mind spinning a few wrenches and getting dirty.

 

I dont mind a bit of work at all! saving $ is the name of the game for me these days!
Where is the best place to get the parts and directions once I find out what I need?
If I do find a cheap enough tcase, do all the #s need to match up or what should I look out for?
I found a np231j 5209 8417 from a 1997 wrangler. will it work since its from a jeep? I dont want to modify anything if I buy one.

BTW Thanks big time for all of the fast responses!!

 

Jeep tcase is a lot weaker smaller input shaft smaller chain it won't hold up it must be a 231 d or 231 d hd

 

Ok I'll cross that one off my list. Will the 231D HD bolt right up or will it require any mods?

 

DHD will bolt right in. Hook right up.

 

If you can find the HD version snag it up. You should be able to get one from anything between 94-98 like Ramcountryboy said and be fine. 98-01 the pattern changed

 

the shift pattern is easily changed just have to change out the fork control in the tcase ran a 231 out of an 01 for a while in my truck just changed the fork control out.