Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Front axle won't stay engaged

[SAndreasen]

When I engage 4wd it will stay engaged at low speed but at higher speed you can feel the front axle disengage and the engage . Any ideas ?
Thanks Shaun

 

[VolsFan]

I"d check vacuum lines and actuator, but you would think that if it was vacuum related the problem would be at low speeds instead of high speeds. I just went through a small ordeal where I had no 4wd at all, ended up being the vacuum actuator. Got the posi lock kit and things are great now! My 4wd light works properly now and with the kit you get 2 low. Is the 4wd light staying on?

 

[SAndreasen]

What is a posi lock kit?

 

[CRodi]

http://4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html

 

[SAndreasen]

http://4x4posi-lok.com/app_dodge.html

I need to get one of those for sure maybe two of em that looks like a neat deal. Wish there was a way to hook it up so it would just work with the 4wd lever .

 

[VolsFan]

It's not as bad as you would think, just one more step, but worth it to me for reliability sake. Also when I have been running around bad roads and use 4wd intermittently, I just left the axle engaged and disengaged the transfer case so I could engage it again easily. Having 2 lo is awesome for backing up my gooseneck too

 

[SAndreasen]

I can see how it would be very nice. I've had big mud puddles knock the vacuum lines off before . Where did you mount the control knob? Guess its not much diifrent than leaving the hubs locked which I use to do on the gen 1 in the winter time .

 

[DonFitzwater]

I love my posi lock and couldn't be happier with it. Our cold winters play hell on vacuum lines so this is a must do when it comes to the mod list.

 

[mwilson]

When I engage 4wd it will stay engaged at low speed but at higher speed you can feel the front axle disengage and the engage . Any ideas ?
Thanks Shaun

You probably have a vacuum leak, is your heater control working or is it just staying on defrost???

Regardless, you need to deal with it soon as the shift collar and axle spline are wearing down every time that it jumps out. I have pictures of that on the PC at home if you would like to see them. If you keep on going the axle fork will eventually break from the force.

If you need to do something right now you can either fix the leak or lock the fork in 4WD. My son just locked the unit in on his '97 by taking the shift unit apart and adding washers to the shaft to keep the fork over in the engaged position.

On my '97 I went the other route and repaired the leak, also replaced the worn inner axle and shift collar as I am an anal SOB. I want it to work as intended.

I just found the post with the pictures....
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...are-of-vacuum-leaks-ASAP&highlight=axle+shift

Mike.

 

[wcjp]

On my 96' I had multiple vacuum leaks on top of the transfer case. The original vacuum lines cracked where they plugged in to the adapter for the transfer case. I trimmed all four lines. Then extended the lines with parts from the HELP area of my local automotive store. I also used small zip ties at every vacuum location throughout the engine compartment (not very many). Never had a vacuum issue again.