Thanks for the info. I do have the laramie package, with only awd,4hi, and 4low.

Think I won't mess with the 4hi. I used it a little bit last year, but couldn't really tell much of a difference except at low speeds making sharp turns it kinda feels like it is pulling or something... hard to explain.

 

The reason you feel that "pulling" sensation as you described it, is because in 4HI or 4LO your transfer case locks all four wheels into driving the truck. Normally when a vehicle turns the inside wheel makes less revolutions compared to the outside tire, meaning if you turn left, the left front wheel does not make as much revolutions as the right. In 4HI or 4LO the front wheels split the power with the rear, the front wheels are now trying to turn at the same speed. This makes that sharp turn harder to do and you'll notice that your turning radius decreased. On rare occasions your truck may even stall while making very tight turns if you are going only a couple MPH.

 

My 04 SLT QC has AWD, AWD is available on any 4x4 equipable model. It is just a different order code for the transfer case. I used 4WD only once to pull a trailer through some questionably softer ground. More precautionary than anything. Even in snow the AWD has a hard time slipping. The rear end never comes around.

 

I just got my ram with AWD. I didn't realy want this option due to unknown reliability and mileage loss. Q: Can anyone commment on this??
I had a similar option on the GM I just traded in but it was selectable, called "auto" fwd. This option worked really well on the hwy. I could run at 70 mph on the snow and the truck would track perfect. I like to get where I'm going fast no matter what the weather or load I'm carrying so I guess the HEMI with AWD was my best option.
2nd Q: does anyone have some tech info on whether the AWD disconnects totally or is it always driving the front wheels partially.

 

well..i can comment..

MY QC laramie HEMI with AWD and 4x4 gets about 11-12mpg AT BEST with combind town/highway driving....SUCKS

BUT...performs flawlessy in 1-4 inches of snow so far and you never know its raining no matter what speed you are going around turns!! lol

 

Hmmm, all my 06 has is 2WD / 4 LOCK/ 4 LOW so no AWD here on my 06...

 

on the equipped models.....AWD takes the place of 2wd for normal driving.

 

I'm getting 16 to 16.5 MPG on the hwy so far, calculated myself. The milage seems to be the same as the GM that I just traded in. I have been driving rather conservitively off the stops but i maintain 120km/hr on the hwy. This milage is ok with me, but it's so difficult to say off the hammer.

 

question...do you have a reg cab or a quad cab??? and what size wheels and what axle ratio do you have?

I can usually get around 16mpg on the highway cruising at 65-70mph also. but cruising at these speeds is kinda intermitent for me because of Long Island traffic!

BUT...driving from my driveway and through town (about 7 miles) to get to the highway costs me serious mpg decreases in stop and go....so an average tank (26 gallons) lasts me only 270-280 miles TOPS!


when I take a trip upstate (80% no traffic highways)...I can average about 14-15mpg.

But with 50/50 town/highway driving I can only average around 11mpg.

I have a Quad Cab 1500 with the 20s and 3.92 rear (AWD)

 

I've got the quad cab hemi with 20's AWD. I don't know the axel ratio. It runs at 1800/1900 rpm @ 65/70mph. Again I'm being conservative. I live just off the freeway. My GM ran at the same RPM for the same speed. I had the stock 16" rims but I had 33's on them. I won't be calculating the milage anymore due I bought the truck for towing HP/ cab size/and looks. I'll leave it at home most of the time and drive something esle.