I just bought a 94 ram 1500 4x4. It all ran good when i took it for a test drive but when i got close to home I threw it in 4wd to give her it spin and it started making a loud grinding mixed with a whining sound. Sounding like i was grinding gears trying to shift a manual, but its a automatic. Anyone got any ideas? I'm hoping its something simple like low fluid in the transfer case. Cause i could tell there's a leak around there somewhere.

 

Check/replace tcase and differential fluids. Inspect ring/pinion gears while cover is off. Inspect the ujoints on the front driveshaft as well.

 

Check vacuum lines to the CAD also.

 

Welcome to DF. You are not shifting to 4x4 on dry pavement I hope? In any event, here is a link to help diagnose the CAD. http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/repair/..._engagment.htm

 

Alright, thanks yall! Ill give it a look tomorrow.

 

Alright, well just to clarify, the fill and drain plugs are the what looks like 1 1/4 screws right. cause someone told me they should be little 10mm hex screws?(gonna buy a book on payday, i would just like to beable to check it soon!) but it could def be the u-joint, it's def seen its better days. Just need a jack to lift the front tires off the ground so i can try and wiggle'em around abit. And the cad vacuum lines dont look bad cept for on spot that might have a pinhole in it(lotta rust on a bend). Ill let yall know when i figure it out, Thanks! (Always owned a dodge but never a 4x4 if yall couldn't tell!lol)

 

You can download a service manual here on DF in the FAQ/DIY section. Free.....

 

Well, i know im a little late but i was going threw my old posts and noticed I never followed up with the solution. As it turns out, all it was is what I would consider a worn out 4wd shifter or linkage.(something along them lines) But if I pulled it all the back into 4h, then I had to push it foreword maybe a quarter/half inch and problem solved. Got me threw the winter(with some fun I might add) without a single hiccup. So I aint really worried about trying to make it perfect!! But if anyone had this problem and knows what exactly is causing the wiggle room, it be nice just for the forums sake. And thanks for yalls inputs and ideas.