Having bought my truck only 3 months ago and never owning a 4x4, I just need to know the basics about how to use it. I've put it in 4x4 once since I've bought it and drove around the block in 4WD and that's about it. I have a 2004 Ram QC with the floor mounted 4x4 shifter. So here we go with the ?s.

1. At what speeds can you shift into 4x4?

2. Do you have to let off the gas to do it?

3. What is the top speed I can go it 4WD?

4. When are the circumstances of using 4WD Low and when should I use it?

5. What is 4WD Low's Top Speed?

I'm sure I have a few more, but that's all I can think of at the moment. Just want to know the basics as winter is fast approaching. Thanks!

 

It depends on which kind of transfer case you have, but most of the answers to your questions can be found in your manual. I've summarized below.

1. If you have a manual shift lever, you have to be driving at 55 or less to switch into 4WD High. If you have electronic shift, it won't shift into 4WD until you meet all the requirements, so if you are driving too fast, it just won't shift. If your tires are spinning, it also won't shift. For Low, you have to be rolling at 2 to 3 mph.
2. You should let off the gas.
3. I wouldn't drive faster than 55. I don't know what the official limit is, but if you need 4WD because the road is slippery, you probably shouldn't be going very fast anyway.
4 & 5. You can't drive faster than 25 in 4WD Low, and that's only used for very slow speeds. Most of your on-road driving will be done in 4WD high.

Oh, also, you shouldn't drive on dry pavement with 4WD engaged. It can damage your transfer case/transmission.

 

1. Typically the owners manual says to shift at speeds at 55mph or less

2. While not completely necessary, it is a good idea to keep from having gear clash or grinding.

3. If you're in 4wd, the road conditions should dictate how fast you can go. I've had mine in at 70 mph.

4. Low is when you need all the power and traction you can get.

5. Watch your tachometer. Don't overspeed the engine and you will be fine.

 

Here are some answers:

1. Upto 55 mph you can shift on the fly. Don't be spinning out while trying to shift. All 4 wheels have to be turning the same speed when going into 4X4.

2. Yes. If you need 4X4 then your rear wheels must be spinning.

3. You can do highway speeds, but see tips below.

4. You can use it when doing major 4X4ing over really rough terrain. You will probably never use it.

5. Not sure but it's slow.

Here are some tips to get long life out of transfer case.

1. Always be shifting from 4HI to 2HI and vise versa. Start out in 4HI to get going then when up to speed shift back to 2HI. Use 4HI when you want to accelerate on ice and use 2HI when you want to stop on ice, thats an easy way to put it.

2. Never have it in 4X4 when on dry pavement or when making sharp turns. This will wear out the transfer case quickly.

 

so basically dont get stuck in 2wd or your screwed?

 

No, you can shift into 4wd High when stopped.

 

If you turn on dry pavement in 4wd you can bind up the front end..

 

I did that in my dad's chevy. I turned from a county road with snow, to a state road that was plowed/salted. I heard a pop, but I forget what broke.

 

Good information guys. Keep it coming. When I bought the truck it didn't have an owners manual in the glove box. Who the hell takes the owners manual out of their vehicle and trades it in without putting it back?

So basically 4x4 on dry pavement is bad. Got it. So let's say 6" of snow fell tomorrow, I could put it in 4WD High from the time I leave my house and drive to work about 5 miles away and leave it in the whole time? Like I wouldn't have to keep switching back and forth from 2W to 4W during the trip?

 

Yeah you could probably put it in 4wd the whole time if you wanted, as long as there is snow on the road. If the road is treated and just a dusting or sand/salt, you probably won't even need or want the 4wd. To be honest, I don't use mine all that often. I usually just switch it on when I am driving in unplowed snow or if I feel the truck starting to slip. I have only used 4wd once in my new Ram, when I was driving on a muddy rutted road. In my old Dakota, I used 2wd most of the time, even during the winter. 2wd can be fun in the snow too if you have room and won't cause an accident, like in an open parking lot.

That sucks about your manual. I leave mine in the truck all the time. What's the point of taking it out when you could just leave it where you will always need it? Anyway, you can download a pdf version here: http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/manuals/index.html