Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Hi,
Did search (perhaps imperfectly) several forums, but still have questions.
Nearing final decisions re. options on new truck order, I've run into one where my ignorance of these rigs is a problem.
The choice is between the electric-shift vs. manual transfer case.
The confusion arises from the fact that the labeling of the dash control (for the electric) does not precisely match that of the manual control.
On the dash unit, the settings are:
"N" (with indicator light)
"2WD"
"4Lock"
"4Lo"
On the manual unit, the settings are:
"4L"
"N"
"2H"
"4H"
Questions (Aside from "N", and "2WD" I am not certain how the terms are being used):
1. If "2WD"(electric shift) means 'normal' 2-wheel operation, why does the manual unit not use this same symbol, instead of "2H" (2-wheel high?,... . which implies that there might be a 2-wheel low)?
2. Since there are both "4 Lo" and "4 Lock" on the electric shift, . . which of these, if either, does "4L"(on the manual unit) indicate?
3. If "4L" (manual) equals "4 Lo"(electric), where is "4 H" on the electric unit?
4. If the answer (to 3. ) is "4 Lock",... how/why do the terms "lock" and "high" relate?
One factor in choosing between these units is the fact that dash contriol makes possible clear foot-space for the occasional center passenger, which we would like to have.
Other than this, what performance/dependability/durability reasons are there to prefer manual over electric, or vice-versa, ?
Rig and use: '07. 5 Ram Laramie quad-cab long-bed dually, 6. 7L CTD w/65RFE 6-speed auto, 3. 73 limited slip rear, 4WD, with 3-4000# (loaded) camper,... towing 4-8000# boat(s). Mostly Pacific NW, ... both flat and mountains.
Thanks for any help in understanding these units!
Did search (perhaps imperfectly) several forums, but still have questions.
Nearing final decisions re. options on new truck order, I've run into one where my ignorance of these rigs is a problem.
The choice is between the electric-shift vs. manual transfer case.
The confusion arises from the fact that the labeling of the dash control (for the electric) does not precisely match that of the manual control.
On the dash unit, the settings are:
"N" (with indicator light)
"2WD"
"4Lock"
"4Lo"
On the manual unit, the settings are:
"4L"
"N"
"2H"
"4H"
Questions (Aside from "N", and "2WD" I am not certain how the terms are being used):
1. If "2WD"(electric shift) means 'normal' 2-wheel operation, why does the manual unit not use this same symbol, instead of "2H" (2-wheel high?,... . which implies that there might be a 2-wheel low)?
2. Since there are both "4 Lo" and "4 Lock" on the electric shift, . . which of these, if either, does "4L"(on the manual unit) indicate?
3. If "4L" (manual) equals "4 Lo"(electric), where is "4 H" on the electric unit?
4. If the answer (to 3. ) is "4 Lock",... how/why do the terms "lock" and "high" relate?
One factor in choosing between these units is the fact that dash contriol makes possible clear foot-space for the occasional center passenger, which we would like to have.
Other than this, what performance/dependability/durability reasons are there to prefer manual over electric, or vice-versa, ?
Rig and use: '07. 5 Ram Laramie quad-cab long-bed dually, 6. 7L CTD w/65RFE 6-speed auto, 3. 73 limited slip rear, 4WD, with 3-4000# (loaded) camper,... towing 4-8000# boat(s). Mostly Pacific NW, ... both flat and mountains.
Thanks for any help in understanding these units!
