2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Do I really need to back out of 4x4?

[Darel]

Is it really necessary for me to back up a few feet after shifting back into 2wd, or is it that as long as the light goes out the vacuum disconnect in my front axle is disconnected? If backing up doesn't serve to disco the front axle what does it do? I was thinking about this the other day and I think the light works off the disconnect anyway, so it should tell you its' status. If I weren't so lazy I'd look it up in the service manual.

D

 

[CRSmith]

I only back up when I'm planning on turning really soon. Otherwise, the normal throttle application and let-off will joggle the system around enough to unlink it.

 

[willyslover]

sometimes mine hangs a few seconds / min... . I live in the mountains, whenever I get out . . if possable I back a few ft. but you can usually tell if it hung

 

[ptrodock]

I live 2 miles down a back (doesn't get plowed often) road, and take it in and out of 4 wheel whenever I get out on the highway. I normally don't back up, you can feel it pop out of 4 wheel with normally start/stopping and acceleration. I usually just pop it out as I'm coming to a stop at the end of my road, before going onto the plowed highway. Oo.

 

[David_VT]

I am on dirt roads most of the time and this time of year am in 4WD almost always. I only backup when I know I've jammed up the drivetrain by driving in 4WD on dry pavement. ***



Normally driving on wet ground I just flip the lever and it will drop out of 4WD just fine. Actually the transfer case drops out easy but the front axle (where the sensor for the light is) sometimes hangs on for awhile. If it sticks too long I'll stop and that usually is enough to pop it.



***My only complaint about my PE box is that I mounted it on top of the steering column and often don't see the 4WD light until I've driven on dry pavement for several miles... ... I am usually swearing at myself as I put the truck into reverse to take the strain off the drivetrain... . Maybe I need to add another 4WD idiot light to the pillar so I can see it better, before I destroy my 4WD system

 

[bmoeller]

with exception as in Davids case, you shouldn't have to back up. That is really only needed if you had auto locking hubs. The Rams don't have that unless you used an aftermarket kit to change that.

 

[willyslover]

bmoeller "you shouldn't have to back up. That is really only needed if you had auto locking hubs. "... I'll make sure and tell mine that next time it hangs... many many years of snow driving tell me you either have a lovely truck that works 100% of the time or you have your head where the sun don't shine..... JUST KIDDING YA

 

[TXCTD]

Hey Darel, just noticed you are in Great Falls. I'm living just outside Augusta now and have been looking around for other cummins and haven't seen many. If you see a silver dually with black stacks that is me. I'll be on the look out for your truck.

 

[ACoyle]

I have yet to back up to det disengaged. I just take it out and it may hang a bit, a second or two, then it pops out. I do not have the luxury of back roads or mud a lot. With this winter's snow in New Jersey the 4 X 4 got more use than ever. A lot of in an out because of mostly snowy roads. I usually take it out for corners it the snow is light.

 

[monkfarm]

delay of disengage getting longer?

It could be that what is happening to me is what is giving you problems (if the delay of disengaging is getting longer and longer (It takes a few miles for mine to disengage now. ) I think I'm getting a leak in my vacuum lines, and its causing delays. I ordered the 4x4 posilock cable connect and disconnect, but haven't installed it yet.