Ok, so my 4x4 is operational and functions as it should, but, when I'm stepping on it, like today, I was in some deep ruts of snow(on a trail and in reverse to boot) it kept kicking out of 4x4 and back into 2hi. It shuddered, then made a slight grinding, then pop out when trying to power out of veering off the road and back into the ruts.

Truck: 1998 Dodge Ram 1500, Reg. Cab, Longbox, 318, 5 speed, floor shift on the fly, stock axles.

Is this common? An actual issue? Or am I the only one to ever experience this?

 

If it's jumping out of 4WD drive when you step on it, you probably have a vacuum leak in the system somewhere, or the vacuum check valve isn't working.
When you mash on the gas, manifold vacuum drops.