4WD User Guide

OK, I know this sounds stupid. But I've never owned a 4 wheel drive Dodge, and I'm wondering if anyone has the original instructions or just general tips on how to operate it properly.(my truck didnt come w/ the manual) I can engage it and disengage it fine. But I want to make sure I'm doing it the right way. Thanks!

I Love my Truck!
99 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 4X4

Don't use it on dry pavement. And don't engage it above 55 mph. Everyone I know usually engages it at a stop, but I don't know if that's a rule or a peace of mind thing. I'm a 2wd person.

4x4 only gets you twice as far and twice as stuck, that's a fact. 4x4 doesn't make you invulnerable on the road either. I'm not judging you, that's just something I'd put if I was writing a user guide, heh. Bored.

4WD drive has gotten me out of a lot of messes. I dont agree that it gets you twice as stuck. I do agree that you are not invulnerable on icy/snowy roads and I hate the assholes that think they are.

Twice as far and three times as stuck? I guess it all depends.

Don't use it on dry pavement. And don't engage it above 55 mph. Everyone I know usually engages it at a stop, but I don't know if that's a rule or a peace of mind thing. I'm a 2wd person.

4x4 only gets you twice as far and twice as stuck, that's a fact. 4x4 doesn't make you invulnerable on the road either. I'm not judging you, that's just something I'd put if I was writing a user guide, heh. Bored.


I know what you mean, I see plenty of jackasses in 4X4's on the side of the road because they think as long as they're in 4WD they can do 90 on ice and snow. I definately understand the limitations, just wanted to make sure I'm using it properly. Thanks for the feedback

Also if you are in deep mud or snow or stuck badly use 4lo its there for a reason. Best way to engage low is rolling in nuetral slowly like 3 mph push it into low then put back in drive or reverse. Never go over 35 I think it is with low. It is almsot virtually impossible I think anyways. Once you are unstuck and can use high switch back. and again never use 4x4 on dry pavement or with different tire sizes. Exzample.....front tires are P245/75R16 back tires are P265/75R16. it will ruin your entire drive system.

My 2wd's can go through alot. I have sure-grips in the back of my trucks, whereas most of my friends with 4x4 have limited slip on both axles, and I can go pretty much wherever they go.

Don't 4WD on pavement and avoid lots of traffic to minimize chances of being involved with poor snow & ice drivers...if I see I'm going to clean pavement, I disengage the 4WD just before I get get completely off the ice/snow and re-engage after I get back on the ice/snow.
I've taken the bus route through town to work and back for 32 years...those roads get plowed and salted first and people in a hurry & big rigs avoid going through town.
You can pull your 2WD friends back on to the road after they slide off into a snowbank or mud hole too.
Here's Cornbread Red ya'll

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