A buddy of mine owns a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 GAS with the 5.9. It is 4wd but he is missing the front drive shaft. Some buddies of his has told him that even though he doesn't have 4wd if he puts his truck into 4Low it will lock his two rear wheels together and he will be better off when we are off road. Can anyone tell me if this is true? I didn't realize that putting your truck into 4wd changed anything but the transfer case turning the front tires as well. Any help? If it is bs then I want to let him know before he tears up something that could have been avoided. Thanks!

 

It will be a low range 2wd... I would just run in 2 wheel..

 

So it doesn't change whether your two rear tires lock together or not because that is based on the type of differential that is in your rear end right?

 

If I understand what you're saying, then yes. If you have an open rear, it will be open regardless of what drive you're in.

 

ok that is what I thought. I figured it depended on if you have positive traction, limited slip or etc. Not whether or not you're in 2wd or 4lo

 

Doesnt matter about the transfer case.. an open diff is still open even when in 4wd

 

And a Dodge Limited Slip rear end is just that, a limited slip rear end. An open diff gets you equal power to both wheels (in ideal traction) until one starts to slip, then power goes to the tire that is spinning.

Usually you can find gov locks (whatever that is) in the older Chevys, usually after a certain amount of wheel slippage the gov lock engages and gets you a locked rear, it works fairly well, I drove a 4x4 Chevy with it, twas nice.

Newer Chevys (at least an option I think) have electronic lockers. Don't know bout the new Dodges.

 

I know the 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 have the option of electronic lockers and even electronic disconnect for the sway bar. If I could ever afford a newer 2500 I'd love to have one!

 

Annnd all the half tons have LSD as an option only.

That's the ONLY place where the Cheby Z71 beats the Ram TRX4.

 

Did some looking at the Silverado G80 limited slip. Looks delicate. And I read a few stories of them blowing up in not-very-demanding conditions. Sounds like they don't really have anything on dodge...