I have a 2007 dakota quad cab with the 4.7 v8 with AWD. Snow has fallen here in northern Michigan and I was wondering what kind of damage I could do to my truck while drifting the corners other than the hazard of drifting into things lol I was wondering what kind of wear and tear it could have on my truck and the transfer case if any. I know its kind of an odd question, but I love to drift and I dont want to continue if it will tear my truck up lol thanks guys

 

No more wear and tear than bouncing around a Mud hole. but still not a great idea on public roads...I'd worry more about your front tires catching traction and snapping a CV axle. but if it's that much of a concern, just shift into 2wd, or take out your front drive shaft temporarily.

 

AWD cant go into 2wd, I think. My brother 08 Compass was AWD and it was AWD or 4 LOCK lol

 

Yea, its AWD, 4 high, and 4 low

 

All Wheel Drive is different to 4X4
AWD SUVs it's not the same that a 4X4 pick up
I think your truck is a Dakota 4x4 but is not an AWD

 

Actually, it is an awd. The front tires are only under a certain percentage of power until the rear wheels slip, then it locks into 4 wheel drive. The switch says Awd, 4 high, and 4 low. There is no 2wd option..

 

I also drive a Pontiac Torrent AWD and there's not a switch to change to 4 high or 4 low, that's why I know it's a AWD SUV, it's always on All Wheel Drive.
In the other hand: I own a Chevy Silverado z71 4X4, with a switch, it's always in 4X2 mode unless I hit the switch to 4 high or 4 low mode. (Any of this option recommended for cruise speeds as the manual reads)

But we don't get the 4x4 option for a Dakotas here, we can buy only a 4x2 that's why I never heard of a AWD Dakota I did think the version was called a 4X4 Dakota... BTW I don't like AWD I think is better to get a 4X4 so you can drive in 4x2 always and hit the switch to 4x4 mode only when you need it.

 

I really like the AWD. Best truck I have ever driven in the winter and thats a big thing seeming we get feet of snow at a time where I live. The truck also does some pretty mean hole shots because I just get traction and go. I got a buddy with a 2012 f-350 superduty with the 6.7 powerstroke and I can hold him till about 85-90 which is pretty good considering I only have a could air intake and flowmaster exhaust!! No complaints about the AWD here! Plus, it keeps me from burning my tires off haha!

 

I feel u! My bad I didn't know where u stayed!
I will be scared if I have to drive on an icy road (or snow)

 

It depends on the transfer case you have. If you do not know which one you have you can PM me the Vin and I will send you a build sheet. From the owner's manual below.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE OPERATION
NV233/243 GII Transfer Case Operating
Information/Precautions
The NV233/243 is an electric shift transfer case and is
operated by the 4WD Control Switch (Transfer Case
Switch), which is located on the instrument panel.
The NV233/243 transfer case provides 4 mode positions:
2 (rear) wheel drive high range, 4 wheel drive high range,
4 wheel drive low range, and neutral.
The NV233/243 transfer case is designed to be driven in
the 2 wheel drive position (2WD) for normal street and
highway conditions (dry hard surfaced roads).
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock
the front and rear driveshafts together and force the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position - see Shifting Procedure section for
specific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose or slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard-surfaced roads may cause increased
tire wear and damage to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE: The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Towing
section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there is no indicator light on or
flashing, the transfer case position is two-wheel drive
(2WD). If the indicator light is on, the desired position
(4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW) has been obtained.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met:
1. An indicator light will flash.
2. The transfer case will not shift.
NOTE: Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control **** back to the current position, wait five (5)
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift requirements,
refer to the Shifting Procedure for your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
The “SVC 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the SVC 4WD light is illuminated.
Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll, which may cause personal injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV233/243 transfer
case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore
the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal
for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the front or
rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 2WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph
(40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because 4 wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the
Neutral (N) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case Neutral (N) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
regardless of the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the information below:
2WD
Rear Wheel Drive High Range - Normal street and
highway driving. Dry hard surfaced roads.
4WD LOCK
4Wheel Drive Lock (4WD LOCK) Range - Locks the front
and rear driveshafts together. Forces the front and rear
wheels to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction
for loose or slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
4 Wheel Drive Low (4WD LOW) Range - Low speed 4
wheel drive. Locks the front and rear driveshafts together.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling
power for loose or slippery road surfaces only. Do not
exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more information.
Shifting Procedure - NV233/243 Transfer Case
NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift, the indicator light for the previous position
will remain ON, and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements
for the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:
return the control **** back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five (5) seconds and try the shift again.
2WD to 4WD LOCK or 4WD LOCK to 2WD
Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between 2WD and 4WD LOCK can be done with
the vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in
motion, the transfer case will engage / disengage faster if
you momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turning
the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped, the
ignition key must be in the ON position with the engine
either RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed
if the key is in the accessory position.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake
Systems, the 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
2WD/ 4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation the selected position indicator
light will flash and the original position indicator light
will remain ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop
spinning the wheels to complete the shift. There may be
a delay up to 10 seconds for the shift to complete after the
wheels have stopped spinning.
4WD LOCK to 4WD LOW or 4WD LOW to 4WD
LOCK
NOTE: When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW, some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2-3
mph (3-5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER OF
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5
km/h)
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch
on manual transmissions).
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress
clutch on manual transmissions).
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
NOTE: If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or
if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is
in process, then the indicator light will flash and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
the selection, turn the control **** back to the current
position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry shift.
NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.

NV 244 Generation II Transfer Case Operating
Information / Precautions
The NV 244 Generation II is an electric shift transfer case
and is operated by the 4WD Control Switch, which is
located on the instrument panel.
The NV 244 Generation II transfer case provides 4 mode
positions - Normal four-wheel-drive (4WD) high range,
four-wheel-drive lock (4WD LOCK), four-wheel-drive
low (4WD LOW) range, and neutral (N).
This transfer case is equipped with an inter-axle differential
that allows driving the vehicle in the normal
all-wheel-drive position (4WD) at all times on any given
road surface, including dry hard surfaced roads. The
4WD mode allows the front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. This eliminates driveline binding and
component wear normally associated with driving the
vehicle in the 4WD LOCK position on dry hard surfaced
roads. This feature provides the safety, security, and
convenience of operating in all-wheel drive at all times
regardless of road conditions.
When additional traction is required, the 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions can be used to lock the front
and rear driveshafts together through the transfer case
inter-axle differential and force the front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. This is accomplished by
rotating the 4WD Control Switch to these positions. The
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions are intended for
loose, slippery road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD
LOCK and 4WD LOW positions on dry hard surfaced
roads may cause increased tire wear and damage to the
driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE: The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. See Recreational Towing
section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) and indicate the current and desired transfer case
selection (4WD ⇔ 4WD LOCK).
The “SVC 4WD” warning light monitors the electric shift
4WD system. If this light remains on after engine start up
or illuminates during driving, it means that the 4WD
system is not functioning properly and that service is
required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if the Service 4WD light is
illuminated. Not engaging the parking brake may
allow the vehicle to roll which may cause personal
injury.
NOTE: Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV 244 Generation
II transfer case is not equipped with a synchronizer and
therefore the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be
equal for the shift to take place. Shifting while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning can cause damage to the
transfer case.
When operating your vehicle in 4WD LOW, the engine
speed is approximately three times that of the 4WD or
4WD LOCK positions at a given road speed. Take care
not to overspeed the engine and do not exceed 40 km/h
(25 mph).
Proper operation of four-wheel-drive vehicles depends
on tires of equal size, type and circumference on each
wheel. Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because four-wheel drive provides improved traction,
there is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping
speeds. Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
For additional information on the appropriate use of each
transfer case mode position see the following information:
4WD
Normal Four-Wheel-Drive High Range - Employs interaxle
differential. Allows front and rear wheels to rotate at
different speeds. All road surfaces.
4WD LOCK
Four-Wheel-Drive Lock (4WD LOCK)- Locks the transfer
case inter-axle differential. Forces front and rear wheels
to rotate at the same speed. Additional traction for loose,
slippery road surfaces only.
4WD LOW
Four-Wheel-Drive Low Range (4WD LOW)- Low speed 4
wheel drive. Locks the transfer case inter-axle differential.
Forces the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same
speed. Additional traction and maximum pulling power
for loose, slippery road surfaces only. Do not exceed 25
mph (40 km/h).
N
Neutral - Disengages both the front and rear driveshafts
from the powertrain. To be used for flat towing behind
another vehicle. See Recreational Towing for more information.
Shifting Procedure - NV 244 Generation II
Transfer Case
NOTE: The 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
4WD/ 4WD LOCK if the rear wheels are spinning (no
traction). In this situation a position indicator light will
flash and the original position indicator light will remain
ON. At this time, reduce speed and stop spinning the
wheels to complete the shift. There may be a delay up to
13 seconds for the shift to complete after the wheels have
stopped spinning.
NOTE: Delayed shifting out of the 4WD LOCK position
may be experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire
pressure, or excessive loading.
NOTE: When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER
OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2 to 3
mph (3 to 5 km/h).
2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the position indicator light has stopped flashing,
shift the transmission back into gear.
NOTE: The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.
NOTE: If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift. The indicator light will flash and the
current transfer case position will be maintained. To retry
the selection, turn the control **** back to the current
position, wait five (5) seconds, and retry the shift.
LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL— IF
EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel. It improves traction
when there is a difference between the characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit is
similar to a conventional differential. But on a slippery
surface, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the wheel having the better traction.