4-wheel-drive is not engaging?

Tiny
FISCHERFAMILYOF5
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
The 4-wheel-drive is not engaging. The Indicator lamp is lit on the dash. The Front drive shaft is turning but there is no power getting to the front wheels, therefore, the front wheels are not turning. No noises are coming from the transfer case. The truck is shifting easily in and out of 4-wheel-drive. It seems to be something with the front axle but I am unsure. I am trying to meet the 200 minimum characters so I am able to submit this. Sorry for all the extra words.
Thursday, December 5th, 2013 AT 2:15 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the front drive shaft is spinning, then you have an issue in the front differential.

I would suggest removing the cover and spinning the front drive shaft to find out if there is movement inside the cover.

Here is a guide that will help with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/differential-service

This is on a rear differential, but the process is the same.

Once the cover is off, just have the vehicle on jack stands and spin the pinion and see what is happening inside the unit. However, I suspect you will find the issue when you remove the cover.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please see the info below. Please let us know what questions you have. Thanks
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Also be aware there's a vacuum-operated shift fork on the rear, right side of the front axle housing. Remove the vacuum hoses with the engine running, then check for vacuum at one of them, then on the other when shifting the four-wheel-drive lever. You can also feel for movement inside the housing when a helper operates the four-wheel-drive shifter.

The vacuum motor should be working because that is what turns on the "4WD" light. I suspect something came apart inside the housing. Here's a drawing showing what's inside.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2021 AT 6:18 PM

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