'98 Ram 4X4 won't engage

[Guns N Rotors]

Has anyone ever dealt with this?

1998 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.9 automatic

The four wheel drive will not engage. It will shift into
netural and 2 HI but will not shift into 4 LO or 4 HI.

It happened this morning after a 4 inch snow fall.
I will crawl underneath the truck later on this afternoon.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

GnR

[Magnumcharger]

Same deal exactly with my '96 Ram 4X4.
As soon as it warms up, it works perfectly.
I mentioned this to a friend (a mechanic) who said something about a centrifical actuated sliding coupler which engages the transfer case.
I'm not sure what this means to be honest.
All I know is that it works perfectly when it warms up outside.

[mikepmcs]

don't know if any of this will help but maybe give you some ideas what to check.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/4x4_engagment.htm

also call the dealer and check to see if there is a TSB on this.

[Guns N Rotors]

Mike, thanks for the link. That's the best info on the web
that I've looked at so far.

I'm thinking that it is a vacuum problem. You can feel
this transfer case positively shift but, the front wheels
won't lock-in.

I will check for TSB's... you never know, but I just don't
have that kind of luck.

I will see if the dealer sells a complete kit with all the vacuum
components.

Thanks for the help,  GnR

[mikepmcs]

I was also thinking vac issue.  maybe one of the lines has a hole, been cut, just worn out kind of deal?
good luck
v/r
Mike

[Magnumcharger]

Interesting diagrams....should be considerably helpful.

[Guns N Rotors]

Well... here's the problem.






It seems that when I had the cat converter replaced back in October,
the vacuum lines and harness where not placed in the right location.
They had a little melt down. 

[Magnumcharger]

That'll learn ya!

[mikepmcs]

gotta love those easy fixes though.