4x4

ThorRacing · 12-16-2008, 02:30 PM

What is the best way to put a 1999 dodge ram 1500 V8 sport into four wheel drive? I have heard its better to be at a complete stop, throw it in neutral, then put it in four high. I have also heard to be driving real slow, keep it in drive or throw it in neutral while still moving and then put it in four high. I dont know which one to believe, any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks

75K30 · 12-16-2008, 02:38 PM

Put it in 4 hi at just about any speed. This vehicle will permit the engagement of high range at some pretty high speeds. Keep in mind that the terrain that you are about to travel will limit speed anyway. In other words if you need 4 wheel drive, you will probably not be breaking any speed records. Owners manuals state that speeds under 45 to 50 mph are safe to engage high range.
4-low range will require the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Only a slight roll will be permited, and the trans should be in neutral, or clutch completely engaged if equiped with a manual.

ThorRacing · 12-16-2008, 02:41 PM

Thanks a lot!

I will definitely try this out next time, I really apreciate the help!

bradrhale · 12-16-2008, 03:18 PM

my 99 has shift on the fly also. im sure 75 has something to say about this but i have never tried the shift on the fly. i feel alot better about coming to a stop and engaging it. but some say that i am paranoid.

75K30 · 12-16-2008, 03:35 PM

Dont be scared. Shift it, lol.
Only one way to test and prove theories. Also only one way to find out where limits really are.
Here is something that is important though, all kidding aside. You have to make sure that all wheels are turning at about the same rate. Meaning that you cant engage 4wd at all if your rear tires are spinning and cant find traction.
You will break a component if you find yourself about to get stuck, and your tires are spinning, and you engage 4wd. Since the rear wheels are moving at a much faster rate than the front, you will break a shaft or joint. Perhaps only the axle disconnect will break, but it wont be pretty.
This shift on the fly was designed for the road conditions, when it starts to get slippery or something, and 4wd would make for a safer driving condition. On the road all wheels would be turning at approx the same speed, and this is when it is safe to engage.

bradrhale · 12-16-2008, 03:39 PM

testing theories is fine and dandy but im sure that he doesnt want to be the guinea pig. neither do i. since you know a ton more about 4wd features, i hold no ground for trying to hold a discussion with you but it seems to me that shifting that gear into the hole at a higher speed can not be as good for it as say doing it at a lower speed or at a very slow roll.

75K30 · 12-16-2008, 04:12 PM

Better safe than sorry I supose, but it is designed to engage as long as the two outputs are about the same speed.
Just remember, no spinning tires when 4wd high range is called and all will work well.

leolkfrm · 12-16-2008, 04:41 PM

I've shifted both ways and no problems! I'm more comfortable if it's less than 25mph

ThorRacing · 12-16-2008, 07:35 PM

is it normal for the stick to be a lil hard and resistant to pull back??????

bradrhale · 12-17-2008, 07:25 AM

mine doesnt just flop right in the hole either. i normally put pressure on it the stick and she will put herself in instead of shoving it in there as hard as possible.

12-16-2008, 02:30 PM	#1
ThorRacing Full Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 10	4x4 What is the best way to put a 1999 dodge ram 1500 V8 sport into four wheel drive? I have heard its better to be at a complete stop, throw it in neutral, then put it in four high. I have also heard to be driving real slow, keep it in drive or throw it in neutral while still moving and then put it in four high. I dont know which one to believe, any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks

12-16-2008, 04:41 PM	#8
leolkfrm Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.Y. Posts: 4,223	I've shifted both ways and no problems! I'm more comfortable if it's less than 25mph __________________ 4 wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul B.W.A.I

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12-16-2008, 02:38 PM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Put it in 4 hi at just about any speed. This vehicle will permit the engagement of high range at some pretty high speeds. Keep in mind that the terrain that you are about to travel will limit speed anyway. In other words if you need 4 wheel drive, you will probably not be breaking any speed records. Owners manuals state that speeds under 45 to 50 mph are safe to engage high range. 4-low range will require the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Only a slight roll will be permited, and the trans should be in neutral, or clutch completely engaged if equiped with a manual.

12-16-2008, 02:41 PM	#3
ThorRacing Full Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 10	Thanks a lot! I will definitely try this out next time, I really apreciate the help!

12-16-2008, 03:18 PM	#4
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	my 99 has shift on the fly also. im sure 75 has something to say about this but i have never tried the shift on the fly. i feel alot better about coming to a stop and engaging it. but some say that i am paranoid.

12-16-2008, 03:35 PM	#5
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Dont be scared. Shift it, lol. Only one way to test and prove theories. Also only one way to find out where limits really are. Here is something that is important though, all kidding aside. You have to make sure that all wheels are turning at about the same rate. Meaning that you cant engage 4wd at all if your rear tires are spinning and cant find traction. You will break a component if you find yourself about to get stuck, and your tires are spinning, and you engage 4wd. Since the rear wheels are moving at a much faster rate than the front, you will break a shaft or joint. Perhaps only the axle disconnect will break, but it wont be pretty. This shift on the fly was designed for the road conditions, when it starts to get slippery or something, and 4wd would make for a safer driving condition. On the road all wheels would be turning at approx the same speed, and this is when it is safe to engage.

12-16-2008, 03:39 PM	#6
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	testing theories is fine and dandy but im sure that he doesnt want to be the guinea pig. neither do i. since you know a ton more about 4wd features, i hold no ground for trying to hold a discussion with you but it seems to me that shifting that gear into the hole at a higher speed can not be as good for it as say doing it at a lower speed or at a very slow roll.

12-16-2008, 04:12 PM	#7
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,992	Better safe than sorry I supose, but it is designed to engage as long as the two outputs are about the same speed. Just remember, no spinning tires when 4wd high range is called and all will work well.

12-16-2008, 07:35 PM	#9
ThorRacing Full Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 10	is it normal for the stick to be a lil hard and resistant to pull back??????

12-17-2008, 07:25 AM	#10
bradrhale Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 7,831	mine doesnt just flop right in the hole either. i normally put pressure on it the stick and she will put herself in instead of shoving it in there as hard as possible.