Hello All,

As some of you know I just recently got a 4x4 88 Ramcharger, I dont really know the "rules" of putting it in 4 wheel drive. It says on the visor that I have to be moving, what is the speed to shift into 4 wheel drive, and shifting out. Can I not switch it while parked? Info will be greatly appreciated. I'm new to the 4 wd scene haha

 

If its the same as my 95 Ram 4x4, you can shift into 4x4HI on the fly. Havent tried while parked yet. If you are stopped and engage the 4x then it could engage as you are accelerating, which could be a hard engagement. Know what I mean? Ive engaged it at all speeds, the only thing is to let off the gas and shift during coasting so you dont get the equivalent of a neutral slam. At least thats how I've done it. 2L and 4L is a different story. I've always been stopped and in neutral before I engage them. If anyone does it differently maybe they clue BOTH of us in!

 

That's exactly how I did it with my 94. Something tells me somewhere no 4 high over 60 mph, that may have changed.

 

I have had 75's and then jumped to 96. The 75 I could shift in high up to 45 MPH. Shift into low was recommend at stop or LOW speed. Shift out of high 55 MPH or slower, out of low very slow or stop.
Check salvage yards, e-bay, Craigslist to see if you can find an owners manual. The 150 truck would be the same.

 

Search e-bay for 88 ramcharger owner manual, there is 1 used and 1 new. Good luck

 

You can shift into 4H as just about any speeds (recommended is slow) as for shifting it into L you should be in park or neutral. Try not to shift into lo while moving as there is a lot of torque and weight then being applied to the drivetrain in a low gear.

Also, you may have manual locking hubs on that year. they would have to be locked in order for the 4H and 4L to work.

 

Thanks for info first of all, everyone. 78, It is Automatic hubs. and 74, I am in the process of getting a manual!