Okay so I have a 98 ram 2500 and the 4wd isnt working. I can shift the lever (which is hars sometimes) but my buddy told me the front drive shaft is spinning when I put it in 4wd but the tires aren't. Anyone got any ideas on what is causing this would like to fix it this weekend. Any and all help is much appreciated.

 

if the t-case has locked the front driveshaft in but the axle is not getting any power, your most likely problem is the center axle disconnect (CAD). Our trucks are prone for this system to fail. on the passanger side of the axle theres a vacuum acuator, check if the lines are getting vacuum (my lines were completely missing) if you're getting vacumm then chances are its your acuator.

 

I assume the light also would not come on correct? And is that a part I can just pick uo amywhere?

 

Correct, if the front isn't engaging, the lite shouldn't come on. However, there ARE failure modes where the lite WILL come on, but you still won't have 4x4. Check the easy stuff first, make sure you are getting vacuum to the CAD.

 

I assume the light also would not come on correct? And is that a part I can just pick uo amywhere?

 

Sorry don't know why that double posted. And thanks for the help

 

One more question how do I go about checking the vacuum in the lines? And shiuld both lines have vacuum?

 

I went to auto zone and just bought vacuum line that would work.... I think it was 3 bucks for a good 4 or 5 feet. only one line should have vacuum at a time, one for 4x4 and the other when you have it in 2h.

 

Take the connector off the actuator, start the engine.... check and see if you have vacuum on one of the lines. Outboard in 2wd, inboard in 4wd. If you don't get vacuum to BOTH sides, (depending on what drive mode you are in) you have a problem. Find out where the vacuum disappears.

 

but you should only get vacuum to o ne line at a time, right?