Question on Transfer Case Engagement on the newer trucks

[JoeTaylor1]

Still driving a 2001, QC, 4x4, 2500 with auto I have owned sense new. Getting ready this next week to roll over 200K.



I see the new trucks have a switch to select 4h and 4L. Are the new trucks still full time fwd? Or is that electronic switch on the dash turning in hubs vs engaging the transercase or both?



Not sure when dodge moved to this. Is it as reliable? Or a protential problem area?



Thanks

 

[robertyoke]

all the 03 up trucks have the front diffs connected/driven all the time then when 4 wd is needed the transfer case is engaged. so no there is not a sliding collar like your 01 has

 

[robertyoke]

also both my 03 and 04 have the electronic shifter and both get used all the time and not a problem.

 

[JoeTaylor1]

Thanks for the response and explanation. I too use my mine as well and (knock on wood) I have never had any issues. Sometimes when I am already stuck in 2wd, getting it in is a little tough, but when it is in, there is no question it is in. My daughter has a Ford with this switch and she has had nothing but trouble and you really cannot tell when it is fully engaged. All I can say is it is a good thing her husband is a ford master mechanic.

 

[Regcabguy]

Simple.

I special ordered my '07 SLT with the manual transfercase for the simplicity. I like the idea of a lever rather than relays and servos. Unfortunately,from what I've read here the manual transfercase can only be had on the 2010 ST model. It sounds like Dodge has it together on the knob job though. My neighbor has a Ford F-250 with the electronic shifter that failed on his first trip to the desert. Somebody had to pull him and his toyhauler out. The techs at the dealership said they see them all the time and showed him what wrench you use to override the system when it screws up again. :{

 

[DGamelin]

My 04. 5 has a manual transfer case I wouldn't have it any other way. It shifts in and out with your finger tips and you know when it is in. I didn't think any of the DCs came with fulltime 4wd they are all part time. We haven't had to fix any DCs electric shifts ford and chevy yes. I wish dodge had manual hubs.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 271k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6speed 94k

 

[domehead]

Never had problem with my Ford electric or with my dodge's one electric and one manual

 

[JoeTaylor1]

When I referred to my 01 having full time 4wd, I was referring to the fact there are no hubs to turn in, so the front running gear turns all the time when I am rolling down the road. As stated before this truck is getting ready to turn over 200k miles and not a problem at all with any of those drive components. I drove Ford 3/4 ton, 4x4 trucks before this dodge and that front running gear was always problematic over time. My personal opinion the fact everything is turning all the time keeps the seals from drying out. Do the new truck's front running gear turn all the time as well?

 

[DGamelin]

Yes they turn all the time, no axle disengage of any kind. (a live axle)

Congrats on the 200k!



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 271k

04. 5 3500 4wd qc dully 373 6speed 94k

 

[truckin-on]

So there is no front axle disconnect to free-wheel the diff and front drive-shaft? Curious... Seems there would be some mileage advantage to being able to disconnect all those moving parts.

-truckin-on

 

[RVTRKN]

So there is no front axle disconnect to free-wheel the diff and front drive-shaft? Curious... Seems there would be some mileage advantage to being able to disconnect all those moving parts.



-truckin-on

There are kits that will convert them, but it is expensive and I will only convert them when I need front wheel bearings or the U-joints fail. If you search this site there are many threads on the savings with MPG over the miles driven. But you must run your front differential every once in a while for lubrication purposes. I believe Dyna Trak has what you need to convert.



Welcome to TDR, I'm sure you will enjoy this site, it is money well spent.

 

[Regcabguy]

So there is no front axle disconnect to free-wheel the diff and front drive-shaft? Curious... Seems there would be some mileage advantage to being able to disconnect all those moving parts.



-truckin-on

The Dynatrac free-spin guys pick up maybe 1. 5 mpg at the most. It does shut down a lot of moving parts though aand eliminates the rare catastrophic wheel bearing siezure. I still wish we had them.

 

[Ten_Bucks]

I'm not a fan of the electric shift transfer case system either, but I do know that the Dodge electric shift 4WD system is more reliable than the Ford system. Dodge's system is all electric whereas the Ford system is part electric and part vacuum IIRC.



Scott

 

[SnoKing]

When I referred to my 01 having full time 4wd, I was referring to the fact there are no hubs to turn in, so the front running gear turns all the time when I am rolling down the road. As stated before this truck is getting ready to turn over 200k miles and not a problem at all with any of those drive components. I drove Ford 3/4 ton, 4x4 trucks before this dodge and that front running gear was always problematic over time. My personal opinion the fact everything is turning all the time keeps the seals from drying out. Do the new truck's front running gear turn all the time as well?

You sure that your 01 did not have the CAD on the front axle? It was dropped on the 02's. My 01. 5 had the CAD. CAD = Center Axle Disconnect. SNOKING