Needing help

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sajrgs13

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Ram Year
1991
Engine
5.2
I recently purchased a 91 W150 5.2 auto with a 241D transfer case. I am trying to understand why the vehicle has to be in motion before the front drive shaft will engage. It has mile marker hubs, I am use to shifting to 4H and go. I got stuck a few weeks ago and the only way to get out was to jack the front end up in neutral and rotate the front axle by hand until I heard the transfer case engage the front drive shaft. As long as you are moving forward or reverse it will engage every time.
 

crazzywolfie

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i don't know about your 91 but my 89 has shift on the fly. i can pull back the shifter easily whether in gear moving or sitting still.
 
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sajrgs13

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Thanks

My 91 also has shift on the fly. The problem is if you are parked for the day either hunting or fishing and try to leave and you are stuck. When you pull the shifter to 4H nothing happens, the front drive shaft doesn't engage unless the vehicle is moving. To me this makes a 4X4 useless.
 

crazzywolfie

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ok so it sounds like the actuator for activating the axle shaft might not be pulling the sleeve over or having difficulties doing so. you might want to check to see if there is any vacuum leaks. this is not a dana 44 like on your truck but it should be similar in how the axle engages.
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sajrgs13

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Thanks. I have mile marker manual hubs, and the cad is locked. The front drive shaft does not engage (turn) until vehicle is in motion. Once in motion then you hear, and feel the front drive shaft engage. I thought when you placed in 4H or 4L the front drive shaft would automatically be engaged.
 

crazzywolfie

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the transfer case should engage no matter what when you shift it. there should be no reason for it to not especially if you are stuck and not getting traction. all you should need to do is throw it in 4x4 jump out lock the hubs and then go
 
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sajrgs13

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I wish it did work that way. Any ideas on what could be the problem
 

crazzywolfie

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maybe the transfer case needs an oil change. there is no reason it should not just engage when shifted into 4x4.
 

Sniper X

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My 1991 is a manual but will engage when I pull the lever right away, like the second be I begin any forward motion
 
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