I don't understand how the four wheel drive system works on my 1500 Gen 3. What I think how it works is when you pull the manual lever and engage 4 hi you are now applying power to the front drive shaft through the transfer case. The front diff and axles are always spinning even when in two wheel drive, no locking axles or hubs?

The reason I ask is this past weekend after heading home after ice fishing my 4 wheel drive did not fully disengage. Never had a problem with it before and drove 10 miles without what was going on. I did manage to burn my front diff oil to a very nasty smell, so I pulled it in to my shop and did change the oil in my front and rear diff and in my transfer case. Nothing out of the norm with the transfer case or with the rear diff. Front wheel bearings seem good.

Every thing seems normal after oil change. What am I missing, don't need to loose 4 wheel when I am back miles off the beaten path.

Any insights would be appreciated.

 

You are correct that even when in 2 wheel drive all components of the front drive train are rotating. When you engage 4 wheel drive it locks the front and back together. Now because these are part time 4 wheel drive it should only be used on slippery surfaces so the inside wheels can slip when they need to during turns. Sometimes when you shift back in to 2wd the transfer case may be binded and stuck in 4wd, usually driving straight back in reverse a few feet will get everything back to normal.
Our stock trucks have no optional locking hubs or anything fancy like that. Once you go into 4 wheel mode it's fully locked up.

 

Not sure if this thread will help you but check it out.

 

Check this thread:


https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-vibrates.html

 

I have been running this truck past two winters and never had a problem getting out of 4wd I hope the oil changes solved it. I pull 4wd alot when getting out of ice covered lots and from slick roads to get up to speed and then shift her back in 2wd kind of a hassle to back up every time.

 

I've always made a habit of doing this, just in case. I would recommend others do this as well. I got used to doing it because it was recommended to me when I had my Wrangler.

 

You may also want to climb under and make sure the linkage is ok, I had both bushings go and completely lost my linkage on the trail last fall. The bushings have a tendency to wear and crack. Move the transfer case lever by hand while you are under there and make sure you can cycle it...