I have a Ram 1500 2002 with 130,000 miles - I posted a year ago that it was stuck in 4wheel drive. I finally took it to our local trusty mechanic and its not the transfer case. Its the Front Axle plus some other stuff. And the rack n pion is gone again this time not under warranty, so its $3600 to get it fixed. Meaning putting it on a credit card. Should I get it fixed or just do cash for clunkers. I love the truck, but if I go get it fixed it will be my son's vehicle to drive to school. I don't really want a new car payment, but we need a third vehicle. And who's to say something else won't go. Any one having similar problems with there 2002. Its already had a new transmission under warranty and the rear differential was replaced. Not sure what to do. Or would a place like CarMax be willing to buy it as it or should I just sell it as is.

 

You have to remember the clunker cash is only towards a new vehicle, which definitly means new car price and payments.

 

If the front diff is engaged and the transfer case is not stuck in 4WD, just drive it...no repair needed. On all the solid axle trucks (2003 - 2009) the front diff has no disconnect. The front is locked in all the time. the transfer case decides whether it is in 2WD or 4WD.

What is bad on the rack? Sounds like the shop is trying to take your money too easily.

 

u might be stuck with a fixer-upper. If your son's young and in high school years i wouldnt give him a gas guzzler.

 

Big Momma, your front end isnt stuck in 4wd, it turns all the time! Drops your MPG a half mile but theres no vacuum or electric actuators to worry about. These trucks seem to eat rack and pinions every few years, but there not that expensive and they are easy to install. The only additional cost associated with that is a wheel alignment. What engine is in your 1500?