I see what damage can happen if snap-ring fails, but what percentage of Rams have this issue? Is it as bad as how many have plenum gasket failure? Or not that common?

I'd say that's an affirmative.

I can't give you a number, but it's common enough to warrant action. Go price transfer cases and ask yourself if you'd rather spend sixty bucks or roll the dice. Hint: Those dice say STUPID on all six faces.

How long and difficult is the transfer saver to install? I'm currently 1/2 way through replacing the plenum plate and a tune-up (plugs,wires,cap, rotor, WP,V gaskets, upper/lower radiator hoses, thermostat w/ new housing)

so I might tackle this tsaver next summer

It's quick and easy to install. Remove driveshaft, Unbolt TC tailshaft housing (4 bolts), remove snap ring, install T case saver and put it back together.
As far as is it worth it, it's like liability insurance. It's not worth it if you never have a claim against it, but you don't want to take a chance on ramming someone and not have it.

Half hour to an hour, depending upon how fast you move. The instructions are on drivetrain.com -- they're nice folks there, but I wouldn't let their wrench monkeys touch anything that's not a differential or driveline. (Been there, done that.)

Personally, I'd just go ahead and get it done before winter. Some things just aren't worth learning the hard way, and when that snap ring goes destruction of the case follows pretty quickly.

I wouldn't wait either. Quick and easy install.

and there is even a DIY for it on the site here.

You better post the link for it . Because nobody is going to look around the site and or search . There are at least 6 topics on the first page that an answer can be found even on the second page. (not saying this one of those case's , no pun intended) But it's really getting old. I mean how many time's can a person say the "p" word when most don't even read the stickie on top of the page that requires NO searching. Just venting sorry. Maybe I'll start a thread.LOL

The "p" word???? Hmmm... Not sure i know what your talking about.. maybe ill start a thread lmao...

Heres your link:

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...241-np243.html