I own a 2006 Dodge Dakota R/T and had a question that I was hoping someone could help answer. When I bought the truck the 4x4 switch says AWD, 4Lock, and 4Lo. So I was assuming the truck was AWD, but I have recently been told it was 2WD. So I put it on jack stands and put it in drive in the supposed 2WD but the front tires spin, but when the brakes are applied a little the front stops and the rear tires start to spin. I'm not sure if its normal so I'm hoping someone can help.

 

In AWD there is a center differential in the transfer case that allows the front and rear axles to turn at different speeds so it doesn't bind up when you turn, but the downside is since its an open differential it allows the axle with the least traction to spin. When you put it in 4x4 it locks the front and rear axles together so they spin at the same speed.

 

Exactly. Don't use 4x4 on high traction surfaces. That will break stuff. (including your wallet......)