97dodgeram2500

had 4wd fixed last spring after i somehow managed to bend the shift fork! worked great til we had a noreaster roll through this past winter in november. after that it stopped workin, so i changed the fluid and it worked again, i put it in 4wd once a week to make sure it still worked and it did completely fine. Well this past week i forgot to put it in 4wd and i tryed today and now it wont work again, so i changed the fluid and this didnt fix it this time. I know a vacuum leak is the probable cause but have not had time to check. But if it is not a vacuum leak what else should i look for while im under the truck? any vacuum line diagrams or any at all relating to the matter would help me out alot. need fixed soon as i am always in need of it this tim eof year for some reason. thanks guys

oh and for some reason the shift motor you can turn both ways by hand like its loose but wont tighten or loosen, are they all like that or would that be a problem?

blackimpala

Yes the vacuum canister will turn, no threads. What fluid? The transfer case or differential. Down at your CAD, pull the vacuum connector off, w/engine running have a helper shift in and out of 4 wheel drive. You should feel the vacuum shift from one port to the other, if not work your way back to the vacuum pump until you find where you are loosing it. If you have it @ the CAD pull the CAD cover off, have helper shift again look for the fork to move, if not the canister is bad. Now would be a good time to invest in a Posi-Loc.

Floyd

97dodgeram2500

the fluid in the differential. I will check that soon just got off work and up to the shop bout to look through it ill update when i get done. if the canister is bad how much do posi loc's run and where would be the best place to get em at? also what advantages do the posi locs have over the canister, all i kno about them is they are operated by a cable you run to the cab

infidel

Or make your own for $30.
Instructions> http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=595515

blackimpala

The big advantage to the posi-loc or the home made one is, you can now have 2 wheel low, big deal if you back-up heavy trailers. Also people have said that they have less trouble with them, I don't have one yet so I can't say.

Floyd

97dodgeram2500

Bill you have provided me with lots of help since i've joined, do you have a posi loc? if yes had any problems with it?

has anyone ever tried the DIY on a dodge? if so how do you like it?

infidel

My vacuum system 4wd has worked flawlessly for 250k miles, see no reason at this point for a Posi-Loc.

A lot of folks at http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2n...98-12v-forums/ have done the DIY and like it.
The DIY works just the same as an expensive Posi-Loc and takes about the same amount of time to install.
Only real difference is price.

12Vmudder

Another option you have is to do away with the 2 piece passenger side axle and vacuum system completely and install a solid 1 piece axle. Then as long as your transfer case is working properly as soon as you grab the shifter you have 4wd instantly. Its worked great for me.

Derek