Ram 1500 OFF-ROAD Review | 4WD LOCK (Not A REAL Lock) Explained
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- I took a 2017 Ram 1500 off-road (sorta) and reviewed the 4WD AUTO, 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW. I explain that the 4WD LOCK is not a true mechanical lock to the front driveshaft. However, it all depends on what transfer case you have in your Ram 1500. If you have the BW44-44 type transfer case you have a wet clutch pack style transfer case that allows you to have the 4WD AUTO option. With having the clutch pack, the truck can easily turn on and off power to the front driveshaft without any complications. Great for snow and ice at higher speeds. That being said, Ram programmed this style of transfer case to minimize clutch wear so when in 4WD LOCK there are times that power is NOT truly being sent to the front driveshaft (when the vehicle is turning, stopped, at idle, or no throttle input) to help minimize the clutch wear. so you end up have some power interruptions at times and you'll see in the video exactly what I mean.
***** If you don't have 4WD AUTO, you have a BW44-45 type transfer case. a much simpler style of transfer case and can truly lock the front driveshaft to the rest of the driveshaft at ALL times. I'm pretty sure every configurable OUTDOORSMEN model comes with this transfer case because it is simply more capable off-road then its clutch pack counter part.
Moral of the story guys. Just be aware of what you are buying or what you have already bought (in my case)
side note - if you have read this far, there are products on the market for the BW44-44 clutch pack that will force the clutches to lock up at ALL times. Maybe something to consider if you are worried about the lost off-road performance.
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So. I’m an older dude. Have owned 4x4 trucks since 1986. I personally hate the “nannies”. Ebs, stability control and traction control. They do not replace good driving or experience. Honestly, I think it detracts. I love manual hubs, and a lever for 4wd. You know when it’s in, and when it’s out. An electronic issue will have no effect. I understand that most trucks never go off road, and the most load most will haul is helping your buddy move. Lock on most of these vehicles is locking the center differential (what us old guys knew as transfer cases). It provides 50/50 front and rear. Anyway. Thank you for the video. My best to all from an old Canadian.
thank you sir! I guess It's there to help avoid someone from burning up the clutches in the transfer case. but to me its like if you are so concerned about that, why even implement a clutch pack style transfer case. Just stick to the old school traditional 50/50 true mechanical split.
PSA - there’s a little know trick with the rams 4wd lock and ECS. You can NOT just hit the esc button, yes that says it turns the system off but it really doesn’t. You need to put the truck in 4wd lock then hold the ecs button by holding it down for 5 to 10 seconds until the it dings and says ECS OFF on the dash
Sounds like he is relaxed as he experiences the power of this truck.
Great video and music. Relaxing and answered my questions perfectly. Well done!
thank you man. happy you liked it
As someone who has the BW44-45 , it is phenomenal, hill claims I slap in 4lo and when I use 4WD lock I make sure to turn the traction control off . As an old jeep owner I am very impressed with the capabilities of the ram, I have a 2015 with the 5.7 lifted 6” on 35s
Thanks for the info ! I just bought a 2021 Warlock and I tought I had a "less good" T case because of the lack of Auto 4wd on it but I am just happy they are different and up here in Canada I am just glad I have a 4wd mecanical lock !
Wait, please explain.
It all depends WHEN you need 4WD.
I for myself drive a lit on highways and normal roads, just sometimes i need to go „off“ road, but thats usually fields and the forest.
I want occasional 4WD on the highway in winter or when its raining.
That‘s why i did not consider the warlock, as it has ONLY 2WD for normal roads, the 4WD High and low settings are not suitable for highways and normal roads!
On the other side i never really need a fully locked 4WD, thats why i went for a model with 4WD Auto, it‘s a pitty because i reaaaally wanted the Ram Classic Warlock
Auto sounds like old Chevy autotrac- which was a center differential activation so you could drive in 4hi without it fuccung up the T-case
Like Subarus Full time AWD- a center diff makes that possible
Good effort! Thanks for the thorough explanation of the transfer cases.
thank you!
Very nice informative video! Thank you. I just learned the differences between the transfer case modes. Learning to turn off the esc when in 4 auto , that should be a big help! I look forward to playing with the "modes" in some snow soon!
😁
You gotta HOLD the (ESC) traction control button down for full diff lock, just tapping the button once will NOT fully disable the traction control system on the front axle. Basically your front tires wont do shit. If you fully disable traction control your truck WILL LOCK THE FRONT AND REAR.
Love the looks of the truck. Thanks for the tips on the transfer case. Dodge always a distant third place selling outsold Chevy last year. Pot marked backroad looked like the roads around Minnesota on a good day.
Gotta love a good beat up road to really rattle things around
4 low turns off traction control automatically. In 4 lock you have to take traction control off manually in order to better “lock” all 4 tires in. Same with 4 auto.
4 auto is more of an AWD situation for slick roads when it’s raining or icy or hard packed dirt roads, dry gravel that kinda stuff.
4 lock and low is for anything outside of dry pavement/concrete man made roads.
pretty much nailed it
So no 4 well drive in a snow?
@@p.m.1580 growing up and learning to drive in the Rocky Mountains. I have so many times seen 4 wheel drive be a negative rather then a positive on snow and ice.
If your driving in two wheel mode and your drive tires lose traction it is a good thing the other wheels are not also applying torque or you can lose control of all 4 wheels.
That’s why I’ve seen FWD cars actually handle snow better.
Now on a RWD truck you can get the dreaded fishtail. Because a trucks bed is so relatively light, and not putting pressure on your tires to maintain traction
If I still lived in Wyoming or Colorado with my ram. I would add bags of sand in my bed. And drive mostly in 2 wheel mode. Maybe if the snow was fairly deep I would use the 4WD auto.
@@KMEnterprise I live in Wyoming... I needed this 🙌🏻
😂 thanks bro
Starts to get why we came at 4:32
Really great video! Very well explained and excellent production too. Ty for sharing it answered all my questions perfectly.
thank you sir!
From personal experience with mine (2017, limited slip rear diff, 8 speed, with the auto 4x4, 35in ridge grapplers) I only got temporary stuck in 2ft snow and deep sand (sand dunes, not just driving along the shoreline).
The sand was easy. I didn't need to air down or shovel or place those hard plastic traction plates down ( I forget what you call them). All I had to do was put it in 4 wheel low, apply a little brake with a little acceleration to get just a nice a steady slow rate of turn on all wheels, maybe a little jiggle on the steering wheel from left to right and she popped right out and kept moving.
The snow on the other hand was much more a pain in the A. I did have to shovel her out a bit, put down my rubber floor mats (because I didn't have the nice traction pads), but the moment I was no longer high centered in snow it again popped right out and I kept the speed and momentum until I made it back to pavement. Unfortunately my window was down and I got sprayed the entire way lol
All in all, a damn good truck and can get out of most things with a little care and patience without a winch. I personally like having it in 4 wheel auto when driving in heavy rain so that the hemi doesn't accidentally slip when hitting a puddle while driving 60-70mph on the highway. I notice that it regains control almost immediately when the 4x4 kicks in for a bit. Just my 2c
Love my 17' Ram Ecodiesel. Been a great truck so far just a couple of minor issues fix under warranty
Do you have any issues with battery loosing charge if vehicle is not started for a couple of days?
Exactly why I sold my 4th gen outdoorsman for a 5th gen rebel 12 with elocker and stronger transfer case. Completely improved and much better overall than 4th gen off road which use to struggle with that limited slip on similar logging roads with slightly challenging inclines. The new rams just got better ! - cheers !
It is pretty upsetting that the 4th gen outdoorsman didn't come with a locker.
@@TheGettyAdventures true and trust me it was an everyday pain for me which is why I sold it off, even a Tacoma to a ranger got one. 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️ Plus the 5th gen is rebuild chassis up it's a whole different beast brother. Puts power on the ground in a much better way with amazing handling.
Loved my visit to B.C. Stayed in Burnaby in the late spring, drizzly days split with sun. Gorgeous part of the world! 🤙🏻
ya it is pretty awesome. loved it out there
Thanks for the technical expertise! Great Video!
Thank you! I have a BW44-45 (luckily, because I didn't know) and I plan to go wheelin, as soon as I can afford it!
Just purchased a 17 sport with the auto 4x4. I won't ever be using it off reading but this is news I didn't not know. Thank you for the info.
Thanks a lot! I literally thought something was wrong with my truck. I have a V8 Sport (4th gen) and you can literally drive it in 4WD Lock on dry pavement without being able to tell a difference from 2WD.
I had a V6 loaner (SLT) without the Auto feature, and was surprised the tires would skip when taking a turn (dirt road). I then found out this SLT was WAY better off-road than my Sport is! My Ram literally sucks off-road, to the point I've been looking for something new.
But at least I'm glad I now know there's nothing wrong with the drivetrain... Would probably also explain why the 4th gen Rebels didn't have 4WD Auto. (The new ones do though, so I wonder if they changed something or if it has the BW44-44?)
Excuse me if my English isn't great, I'm from Europe. Thank you for the video!!! Very interesting and informative!
You have the option of choosing the transfer case on the new Rebels. If you still want the 44-45 you can pick that
Hmm, so your SLT has the transfer case that's better for off-roading than the Sport's transfer case?
That's pretty good english
Good to know. My wife's tradesman has the auto 4x4 feature I opted for my truck to not have it. Seems like a good decision to me and I didn't even know why.
Greetings from Sweden and thanks alot for this video. After doing some reading and viewing other videos before this one, I knew that you could have only the rear tires spinning even in lock/low, but I never understood why until this video, so again, thank you.
The first time I experienced this was when l got stuck in very deep snow and tried to "rock the truck loose". Seeing only the rear wheels spin, I thought the rocking had cussed something to fail. I did get loose eventually by breaking the snow under the truck, but a day or two after this, I thought the rocking also did something to my transmission, as it wouldn't shift. Again, I found out this is the way the truck is programmed to behave when temp is below... -28c I think, and it was -32c at the time. And when it is this cold, the shifting is intentionally delayed until the transmission fluid temp goes up.
While I find the video informative, I find this fact itself disappointing because had it not been like this, it could mean getting the truck loose in some situations without having to lay on the ground breaking the snow under it.
Oh and also, I almost never have use for the 4WD, and the times I have used it, it's been mostly pushed when pulling cars out of snow in 4WD low, but I don't think that got the truck even close to its limitations.
Whew, that was alot of text. I wonder if anyone got through all of that 😂
If someone did get this far: 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn Edition imported from Canada when it was brand new. Only one owner before me, and that owner had driven it 14k kilometers in three years.
Love the comment! I'm really happy you found this video helpful. It wasn't the most intense off-roading video but it was just to show how the 4x4 system works on most of these Ram trucks!
Interesting so they must not have Ram trucks in Europe? My guess is pick-up trucks in general aren't that popular in Europe? American trucks are pretty big in comparison to other trucks.
@@TheGettyAdventures we have american pickup trucks here but they are all imported from Canada or the US and are rare. The pickups made here like the Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, Mercedes X-class are all smaller in size... I don't know what the US and canadian equivalent would be, but I think a step down from 1500/150, whatever size that is.
I did!
Older rams are better. The best years are like first and second gen Cummins, and 03-07 hemi rams.
Love the video thanks so much for the amazing info
Happy you found it helpful!
That sounds good in regards to not damaging it…Dynamic Stability Control kicks in thank God as well.
I have the 44-44 with 3.92 gears and locking differential/ anti spin rear in a laramie, its a beast
that does make a large difference. but be careful a anti spin (limited slip) rear end is not a locking differential.
Great explanation and great video absolutely loved it keep it up
thanks man! appreciate it
I drive my ram in extremely deep sand every now and then in the summer. I can definitely feel the power delay in 4x4 lock... when I am doing a sharp turn from a dead stop I can feel the rear end sinking in for a few seconds until the front gets power and pulls me right out. I have never had an issue with this 4x4 system or t case though. Thanks for the info!
odds are you'll never have an issue but I thought it was just interesting that there were two trans case options!
Great info and beautiful camera footage!
Mine has never let me down I have a 2013 but I do it by the book stop,go to neutral then change it make sure it locks then go
Anytime you wheel in the mud, TURN OFF Traction Control
my 2020 Ram when you engage the 4wd mode the traction control comes off automatically
Traction control was off. Was not aware that i had to also turn off the ESC system.
@@TheGettyAdventures that is why I like not having traction control of any sort, my 06 has only rear abs 👌took almost 2 feet of snow to stop it, front tire dropped into a slick spot and pulled it in, it did get out without shoveling though, that 4-loc works really nice on mine 🤷♂️
@@yournamehere3679 I wish my truck could do that lol I was just up in the mountains today and actually had to turn around because the snow was too deep. right around that 2 foot mark. I don't trust it especially with the factory ride height and two open diffs.
@@TheGettyAdventures I saw in someone's video the other day that just turning off traction control will still disengage the front wheels when turning. However, holding down traction control for a good 5-6 seconds while in 4x4, the front wheels will keep powering no matter the steering wheel turning so you can power through turns. Haven't tried it myself yet but it's an interesting possibility.
I'm looking into getting a new pickup truck and was wondering what you would suggest. My current ram has the 4wd auto which I live, because in the winter time driving on the highway I can put it into 4wd auto with good winter tires I have and not worry about sliding or staying bellow 80km/hr. Dealership gave me a decent offer on a ram rebel with the ecodiesel as well as a laramie with the 4x4 off road package and ecodiesel. The rebel does not offer 4wd auto unfortunately. Was also thinking about a gladiator rubicon with the ecodiesel, they don't have 4wd auto but the wrangler rubicon does offer it so I'm assuming 2022 gladiator will offer 4wd auto. Also thinking about a lariat or platinum f150 with the fx4 package and diesel engine, unfortunately the tremor trim doesn't offer the diesel engine. Was also thinking about the new tundra with the diesel engine. What would you suggest?
MoPar or NO car!
I think it saves the drivetrain , I have a 17 longhorn , used all the settings , auto , lock , low , works very well and works the way I feel it should , on a full lock things can break easier I find but I’m sure some with say no or something 🙂
you are probably correct. it's also to allow people to use 4wd auto without blowing up the transfer case. I just found it interesting how dodge offers two T-cases for its 1500's
@@TheGettyAdventures many manufacturers offer multiple transfer cases with there 4x4 pick-ups, not a uncommon practice, now onto the real problem at hand, the half ton pick-ups are all mall crawlers and glorified grocery getters, why i got ride of my ram 1500, traded it in for a diesel ram 2500, night and day, the 2500/3500 is a real pick-up with real locking 4x4, and the 2500/3500 uses a torsen type limited slip that is literally the best design for street and mild off roading, the 1500 not so much, and the 5.7 is way under powered in my opinion, the 6.4l gas or the 6.7l diesel is how a truck should drive, you shouldn't have to mash the pedal to the floor just to get it to move, plus my diesel is getting close to 30mph on the highway and 18 to 20 city, not even close with the 5.7, mine got 15 mph tops
@@bleachinuri well if you can afford a 2500 Cummins that is no doubt the better truck. hence the price tag. And yes, I would agree the 1500 ram doesn't even have leaf springs in the back lol coil suspension design for one thing - comfort.
the torsen LSD is pretty bullet proof, In my opinion the best LSD on the market. almost acts more like a locker then an LSD. the clutches to deal with just solid worm gears.
there is no replacement for the massive low end torque of the diesels. the Hemi just doesn't have that low end pull.
@@TheGettyAdventures I have a '19 Classic, Hemi and the same tranny set up as you. I live in the Appalachian mountains of PA and have taken my truck on some trails I probably should not have gone, but, the point is that it never got stuck and always got me home without a problem. I think MoPar went with the 44-44 as the "standard" 4x4 set-up because it does work and probably cuts down on warranty work on the 44-45 when guy's (or gals) go out and really pound on the truck thinking they're going to get stuck. That sickening snap clunking sound really spoils your day and your wallet!
Can you hear your clutch pack engaging when you press gas? I have noticed mine having sort of a click when I accelerate, but your explanation most likely means it’s the clutches engaging/disengaging with the throttle.
Can confirm the 44-45 with only 4x4 lock is pure locked diff in the front axel only.
I snapped a front coaxel offroad and climbed a 25° sandstone incline with 3wd to get out. No problems.
I noticed your e brake cable is hanging a little low. Both Ram trucks that I've owned have had this problem. The cable stretches out and hangs low and the brake shoes always need adjusted. Paid $400 to have this "fixed" on my current Ram with OEM parts and a year or so later the problem came back. Not sure how this hasn't been a recall because it's definitely a safety issue. It gets tiring paying to fix the same problem multiple times.
Driven up in down 20miles of beach with soft and hard packed sand with 4WD lock. I've aimed for the soft patches that everyone seems to avoid just enjoy the truck and get my moneys worth. Never been close to being stuck in anyway with my truck loaded down with bed rack, roof rack, tent and camping gear.
I have a 16 Rebel on 33"s with the 3.93 rear. I do feel the torque delay mentioned to the front wheels when I'm giving continuous throttle and steering input, working my way through deep soft sand. BUT NOTE, this could just be me but I noticed an improvement after turning off the traction/stability control. These trucks can do everything a truck with a locker can do, bigger tires and bumpers that improve the approach and departure angles are far more relevant.
Make sure your ram is equipped with the anti spin rear differential. This is an option on the 1500.
It's called limited slip not anti spin.
@@DL101ca on the ram it is called anti spin.
Well you did better than some other channel I watched. He tried showing the difference by playing in snow. You actually named the transfer case identification and the difference in design
One thing i didn't talk about is the ESC system (electric stability control) and how that can also really inhibit the Bw44-44 T-case. But I just thought it was interesting how there were some differences in terms of off-road performance
@@TheGettyAdventures I just had a you tube conversation with someone about my old 75 F-350 and another Blazer of mine which had old Dana front ends with some type of posi units. He mentioned Auburn but I didn’t know. They were beasts and blew away any 89s and up truck I’ve had or seen. Animals in snow compared to my 89 F-350 or 08 Ram. Full 50-50 transfer cases, NewProcess/New Venture I believe, maybe Borg Warner. Animals, Tanks
@@mobilewintercamp7515 the old trucks always seem to be built with purpose. like if the truck is a 4x4 its going to be extremely capable. I almost feel like the reason the newer trucks backed away from true mechanical lockers and such is firstly because cost and secondly to avoid operator error. I feel like a lot of folks these days wouldn't understand how to operate a truck with mechanical lockers and true 50/50 t-cases. I could be wrong but just a gut feeling lol
@@TheGettyAdventures that’s what I always thought. You nailed it
Interesting video, I'm catching up on your earlier videos. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the ditching of the Hemi and replaced with Hurricane?? Would you do a video on this please. Cheers
Can you plz do the pros and cons of both of them in a video?
Already trying to find someone with the same truck as me but with the other transfer case. It would be a really cool comparison.
I Have a 2016 Ram Laramie 8 speed with the 3.92 gear. Ilike the 4 wheel auto feature. I use it mostly pulling out into traffic when the roads are wet. And when i put mine in 4 low it automatically turns of the traction control and ESC.
Alot of people do like the 4wd auto. It certainly has its place!
Will say the 4x4 works never been towed out yet .. lol
knock on wood, same with me. I honestly feel like most people will never even need to use their 4x4 system to its full capacity. I just thought it was interesting how most people would never even think about what transfer case they have in terms of off-road performance.
I have the Bw44-45, and I’m just curious if not having 4wd auto is a big deal?
In my opinion not really a big deal. You'll have better off-road performance with the BW44-45 which is always important.
Every vid i watch i give a thumbs up, no matter who, show me what that hemi can do and ill subscribe.
Need help. I have a 2013 Ram 1500 Hemi. It is stuck in Off road 2. the lower / raise buttons r just flashing and not responding. it is bouncing like hell. dealership did a diagnostic test and claims there is a leak which will take them at least 2 hours shop time. any suggestions. TY
So on a slippery roads or highways with snow like in Canada it's ok to use 4wd lock right? That it's like 4wd high?
Thanks
yes 4wd lock is essentially 4 high
Great explanation. Does the Landcruiser 100 series have a similar set up? Seems to have permanent 4 high or 4 low and a diff lock between front and rear but it’s clearly not true lock between the fronts on their own and the rears on their own.
not 100% sure on the landcruiser. But a co-worker of mine has a landrover defender his set up sounds to be similar to the lancruiser with a differential between the front and rear axle that is lockable. pretty different set-up from a traditional pick-up truck with a transfer case engaging both axles.
@@TheGettyAdventures The Ram 1500 is sold in Australia with the mechanical transfer case in the low spec modles and this 4 mode transfer case in the upper spec. Thanks for explaining how it works as I assumed it was similar to the Super Select transfer case in my Mitsubishi Triton. It also has 4 modes. The 3, 4 four wheel dive modes being 4 high centre diff unlocked this operates like an AWD car. This can be engaged and disengaged from 2 wheel drive at speeds under 100KPH (62 mph). This allows the vehicle to run AWD on high friction surfaces without transmission windup. The other 2, 4 wheel drive modes fully mechanically lock the centre diff and can only be used off road. The vehicle must be stationary to engage 4 high centre diff locked and 4 Low centre diff locked.
Don’t forget the first rule of wheeling my dude, never go wheeling alone
I should really get a partner lol
So you say when the bw44 44 is fully stoped or turning it disengages why is it when im stoped i have to literally stand on my brake pedal to stop the truck from moving? Is this normal? I have a 16 sport has 4auto 4low and 4lock
4x4 capability 75%satisfaction guaranteed. thanks a lot ram.
So im looking to buy a used ram, 2014 or older. I want something to go camping and off road with. This video made me second guess myself. Should I get one or not?
th-cam.com/video/5572Lst7Xqg/w-d-xo.html
So be 44 or 45 what is recommended?
So would a Dodge Ram do me good this winter if I bought it ? New to Illinois need a 4x4
I bought one over a year ago and the 4wd tackled the Colorado snow with no problem. I have the 2016 with the BW44-44 t case and the engagement of the front wheels is smooth any time the truck detects slip. So far, I’m really happy with the 4wd system
I got stuck in the snow one time and a little bit of left and right going action I got myself unstuck in that sticky situation using 4- High
what are the ram 1500 models that come with the 44-45 transfer case, as when looking on FB market place it seems almost all the later models have the auto 4wd option?
Not a mopar man,but love anything offroad. After years of having an open rear end I enjoy my Eaton locker in my fx4. I do wish that modern half ton trucks had more ground clearance. I'm not spending big money on a lift and bigger tires because I'm not off road that often,but man when I was younger we had a ball. I do appreciate its ride and handling when towing ,so it's not all bad,just different from back in the 80's.
The 80s boy I’d love to go back!!
Makes me sad thinking how much fun things were back then compared to now unreal man
@@bretparker5757 Wasnt nothin to go fishing down at the river with my buddys,didnt argue about politics and healthcare choices. Biggest decision I had to make was what movie to take my girlfriend to see.
!
Alex
Wow! You really know your stuff on drive train issues. I wish you could get a look at my 07 ram 2500 5.7 6" pro comp lift. I've been having drive train issues ever since I bought it. Over 5k in repairs and the issues never truly fixed.
honestly it's probably the lift. it will throw off driveline angles and can really make a mess of everything.
I know very little about this system, I got the truck for pulling my boat and seeing so many guys stuck at the ramp asking people to jump in the bed to put weight on their 2wd I knoew I should get a 4wd. Lately I was in mountain but on paved track and had the truck set on 4wd lock after 20 min there was smell of clutch heating coming from underneath. Are you saying 4wd lock is to be used only when wheels can spin and not on pavement?
Thanks in advance
Yes, 4WD lock only when wheels can slip
That "end of the road" with all the downed logs and scraps would be a good morel spot.
Liked video, however I ran my $1,500 Laramie four-wheel drive through very tough situations and it performed really well to the point of high centering it on its guard/plate system. Easley was able to turn the front wheels and back off the high Center Mountain also rode downhill, ) you could not stop on and I kept the tires rotating and just rode it out down the extreme slope, it performed admirably . Was extremely precarious and Harry and under nervous conditions in a very serious situation that was made doable , acceptable, with some reasonable level of skill required , at least some four-wheel drive knowledge don't recommend it for freeway guys with my Dodge Ram. Thank you for the video, it was worth a reply, John Pike, PEAK ELECTRICAL.
Great explanation
Own a 17 ram 1500 outdoorsman, can say it has its positives and negatives too. I live in an area where 3+ feet of snow is not uncommon. The BW44-45 transfer case does allow it to have a full lock, great for hunting trips or in the deep snow. The truck does skip around a bit when turning after the snow on the pavement starts to disappear. Most days it would be nice to have Auto, but ultimately I am happy with having that little extra 4x4 capability.
I really wanted the outdoorsman! personally I think its the best model for the 4th gen trucks. love that it comes standard with the Bw44-45 and the rear LSD. really does make a huge difference. 4WD Auto is really nice for driving around town with some roads snowy and others not but ultimately your set up is much better.
i think the express has this same set up?
Good video, truth about the 4wd mechanicals, cheers. I would suggest you add to the intro, FF to xxx to skip trip up the mountain, also this video applies to 4WD Auto transfer cases only. I continue to look for a good mechanical review of the standard system no auto, without locking diff. My dealer said off road without locking diff still gives you electronic braking on slipping wheel to send power to other side, but I don’t see that happening. Settings of ESC may be needed, or its just dealer hype. Any advice appreciated.
Does anyone have a slight clicking noise when in 4x4 on the pavement? Is this normal because the wheels aren't slipping?
I read the description, and watched the video. Mine is a 2011 1500 and has the diff locker in the front for whenever you want 4x4. I have the SLT trim package so it’s pretty basic. The transfer case locks up perfectly fine in muddy situations, and front diff locks too. I just need to get an LSD for the back of this thing and it’s perfect.
Take a look at the Eaton True Trac for the rear. It's a Torsen style LSD meaning that there are no clutch packs but a set of worm gears that lock up whenever it detects wheel spin. really cool design and very strong and smooth. no additional maintenance needed either as its all just gears. My fav LSD on the market.
The Getty Adventures I’ll take a look at that.
Your ram doesn't have a front diff locker. The 4wd lock is just to lock the transfer case. The only domestic trucks on the market with factory front diff lockers are the colorado zr2, the ram power wagon, the upcoming bronco and the wrangler rubicon.
@@bztrain if I didn’t work on the ram trucks, and other Chrysler product for a living I’d agree with you. In fact I just replaced a front diff locker on a very similar truck to mine but it had a different engine than mine. Plus when I put it in 4wd the front two wheels actually lock up and it’s very difficult to turn on dry pavement compared to the old chevy blazer I have which has an open front diff. I also work on my own vehicles so I’ve explored every nook and cranny there is on the truck.
@@hilljackzack7284 all 4wd trucks crab when turning on dry pavement when the differential is locked. Doesn't mean you have a front locker. Like I said there are only 4 domestic trucks that have front diff lockers. Your regular ram does not.
good to know and glad to see my truck doesn't have the auto. Thank you
thanks for the vid... Is the 4Lock safe to drive on the pavement in a snow storm with drifting and snowy roads?? I have lived in Minnesota all my life nd have never owned a 4wd. This is my first 4wd
thank you
if the roads are snow covered then yes!
What tires are you running on your truck?
it is not halting the power on the front wheels or making a delay on 4WD lock , IT IS NOT...........but its your electronic stability control that is cutting the power off the wheel depending on slipping situation .....put off your stability control and your 4 wheels will constantly spin.
Traction control was off... but I doubt it. None of the front wheels spun and if you know anything about what a tranfercase LOCK is, you would understand that power is forced to both front and rear axles meaning at least 1 of the 2 wheels must spin. secondly, all 4 wheels will never spin constantly unless you have aftermarket lockers in both axles.
Man..what a great place to own a truck!!
You got that right!
I have a 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 big horn. I have the 4x4 auto. Can I drive with it on at all times and if so what is the top speed I can drive with it out
I mean technically you can drive with it on all the time but I really wouldn't. In 4wd AUTO there is always a slight amount of pressure applied to the clutches in the transfer case. whereas in 2WD there isn't. so keep that in mind.
My 2003 Ram 1500 4x4 with retro rear 2002 open differential is the way to go. Lsd is trash. If I had the option for lockers, I might get it. The only time I’ve ever been stopped was when the snow was above the bumper. I think my tires are Gladiator qr900m/t 35-12.5/20 stock rim.
The legendary Mitsubishi Pajero use a similar 4wd call super select 4wd. Never had any issue with it's off road capabilitie. And i can accurately improve the on road performance since the clutches could Lock much faster than shifing 2wd into 4wd.
If your 4x4 isn’t working you have to take off “Traction Control” i saw another video and someone stated that the “Traction Control “ interrupts the wheel locking mechanism . They guy tried it again and it worked with “Traction Control“ OFF but the ram got the best review out of type brand in its class and higher believe or not
So does the 2020 Rebel with a rear e-locker legit?
Heard you can wire the transfer case leads to a 12V circuit to lock out the clutch pack on BW44-44. Might be worth it to install an aux switch for that purpose....
Iv heard about going that. seems like there are a couple aftermarket options for people wanting to truly lock up the transfer case at ALL times lol
I have a 2017 3.6L pentastar engine. Put it in 4low and pulled a broken down tractor onto a trailer....in the snow. Of course I kinda cheated because I have KO2 tires. Love em and I love my truck.
Do you hear a little bit of a clicking sound coming from your driver side wheel when you're on pavement when you put it in 4x4?
I like my older Dodge Dakota with the 4 wheel drive engaged by a lever on the floor. I know when it's in or out of four wheel drive. Nothing electrical or pneumatic to not work when I need it the most. I've owned the truck for 20 years and only ever had it in 4 wheel low twice. Once I was pulling out old wooden fence post that were 4 feet in the ground with concrete around the bottom. The other time was at a friend whos two wheel drive truck couldn't pull his trailer up a wet grassy bank behind his house. He didn't think my little Dakota would do it because it wasn't rated to pull something that heavy. It pulled the trailer from around the house and up the hill with no problem. The new trucks and cars are impressive with what they can do..... until they can't. then it's a nightmare to fix.
Yeah, in case anybody’s wondering which claims or has more capabilities I have many friends who have four-wheel-drive, Chevys and Fords 1500s both I myself have a 1500. Of course there’s are called different names but we’re all driving the same class truck and they’re all only a year or two apart mine, being the oldest of the three of us Which is a five year old vehicle and I consistently out climb and out. Dig them wherever we go, my vehicle never gets stuck and I end up pulling them out. They can’t believe my four-wheel-drive system works that much better, but it is an in the snow. We all have the same tires and I will go through deeper snow much further than they do especially the Chevy. It’s got the shittiest four-wheel-drive transfer case of the three.
Interesting.
Good explanation of the two T cases.
That may have been a gravel road (not much off road). But at times I run in 4 wheel drive to limit the heat and strain on my transmission.
Anyway, good video.
yes lol I've been accused for my lack of actual off-roading but when the snow comes we'll get back out there and really test her out! and thank you, just found it interesting there were two transfer case options
@@TheGettyAdventures I had no idea. Lol. Keep the rubber side down and see you on the trail.
I don't see how running in 4wd would reduce the heat and strain in your transmission. The transmission will be doing the same amount of work whether you're in 2 or 4 while driving.
@@stout_tossme7541 !......l
@@DL101ca I guess I should have specified a little. Depending on the terrain. Just a gravel road no need to 4WD. If you are doing some low-speed trails but not "needing" 4WD, shifting into low range spreads the workload across the drivetrain, causing the engine, diffs, T-case, and Transmission to not work as hard due to gearing.
Here are some of the YT channels I have heard this repeated from a few times, however, I do not recall if they have done a video JUST on the "When to USe 4WD" topic. Matt at Matt's Off-Road Recovery, Paul from Fabrats, Rory from Traimater, Bleepin Jeep, Ronny Dahl, and TFL off-road (I think TFL has chatted about this).
It has made a difference in my own experience when wheeling (we like to keep an eye on our transmission very closely.
I hope that helps (if my explanation made sense that is). Cheers.
Are 2019 and 2020 Rams 1500 still carrying BW44-44 clutch pack?
that is a great question! I'm not 100% sure but my guess would be some kind of clutch based transfer case if there is a 4wd auto option. Whether they call it the BW44-44 I'm not sure, but a google search could probably tell you everything you need to know. the important thing is that you understand there are difference with your transfer case options
No. They use BW48-11 "on-demand" or BW48-12 "part time". Believe both are clutch systems but include software/hardware updates to address slipping issues.
@@TheGettyAdventures My 2020 has the BW44-45 It's a 1500 Classic Express model
Thank you for the information. And I forgive you for not going anywhere a Ford Focus couldn’t go.
she's a pavement princess Rabbi. Haha but no I was just trying to explained the differences and how the system works without doing anything crazy.
@@TheGettyAdventures it is a great explanation. I appreciated it.
It is not only for clutch to be saved but for having less binding. Binding can snap your axle and creates a huge amount of stress for entire drive-train system.
You are correct - in a standard mechanical transfercase that is 100% the case. However, the force required to overcome the friction resistance within the clutches is much lower then the force required to snap an axle or u-joint. so in theory the clutches would slip well before any axles would snap. But in the real world sometimes theory doesn't always apply!
@@TheGettyAdventures In real world everything is breakable and snappable... It is really not possible to combine 100% offroadability with 100% roadability... It is like comparing LSD differential with mechanical locker. Locker gives you no compromised performance when it comes to off road but LSD beats it when it comes to highway driving...
@@justlife2129 Well put. At the end of the day I just thought it was interesting to note that there were differences between both transfer cases!
@@TheGettyAdventures It is very good that the Ram comes with both options. Let's say you are a construction contractor using your truck on muddy sites day after day or plowing snow... you don't want clutches in your drivetrain... But if you are like most other people drive your truck on paved roads 90+ % of the time you definitely want clutches in your drivetrain to have auto 4wd option. I am the second category and as soon as it rains I use 4wd auto.
@The Getty Adventures Bro!... you need to pull your back wheels apart and free/replace the "Parking Brake Link And Lever Assembly
5080569AE". They get hung up and then the brake don't fully release. That's why your cable is low. Those shoes are a pain to take off and install.
My truck sucks in winter conditions without the 4x4 auto. Gonna throw some patio stones in the box hoping I'll get less rear slip .
So I have the 44-45 I think. I don't have 4wd auto. But my 4wd is never fully engaged. Like when I'm at full turn there's a tiny bit of resistance but when I got stuck last only 1 front tire had been spinning
I would double check you do indeed have the bw44-45 because there should always 2 wheels spinning at least. 1 in the front 1 in the back. But if you dont have 4wd auto then you should have a fully lock T-case. Also make sure your 4x4 is engaging.
@The Getty Adventures it is fully engaging. I know it's not a 44-45 as the fact that it threw codes when u got stuck and front tires wouldn't move at all. When I disables esc the front locked in
You’re such an amazing person man thanks for the video bro
Pretty good video. Thanks.
The 1500 transfer case can’t fully lock bc it’s an on road / AWD system. It’s still good tho. Ie my f250 is locked 4wd but you can’t use it on road (ie no auto mode for rainny days etc)
Which is better the Bw44-45 or the Bw44-44 any suggestion
The BW44-45 is a stronger transfer case. But if you are mainly using the truck on road and enjoy the 4wd auto option the BW44-44 is probably going to serve you just fine. Personally I would want the BW44-45.
How do you turn of the 4wd lock off?
I would double check that you actually have an open diff. My understanding is that all 4x4 Ram trucks from that generation came standard with a torsen limited slip on the rear axel
When in 4x4 mode Disable ESC and all that slip goes away! 😉
Yes, unfortunately when I made this video I wasn't aware of it.
My 2021 1500 Warlock works just fine in the deep snow .
Is it true that dodge trucks ... are front wheel drive when 2WD is in use .. in other words ..My question is In a normal trip Are the front wheels pulling the truck... ?
No, almost every pick up truck is rear wheel drive. 4x4 trucks come with the option of putting power to the front driveshaft. rear axle always has power.
No, my 2018 Bighorn lays rubber just touching the gas, it's rear wheel drive, they make no Rams FWD.
@@TheGettyAdventures I just Subscribed, you have a great channel, there is a way to disable the Speed Governor also (Ram Easter Egg) it would be great to do a video on that..
@@jasoncentore1830 AlfaObd
Love it Alex
thank you
So does turning ESC off, does that make the front wheels lock?
Not True lock, more of a "less spin"
My 2015 has 4?low and 4high. I never experienced slip. When engaged, ALL WHEELS are turning and locked. He must be confused with his previous FORD......
is 4wd lock the same as my 4wd High? i have a 2020 ram 1500
The 4-lock is when you need some more added traction, gets the front and rear synchronized, 4-high is like driving on a snowy/slushy road, helps with traction but allows you to still turn similar to auto or 2wd, I have a different transfer case, mine I can’t use 4x4 unless I’m on gravel/mud/sand otherwise it will grenade driving on concrete/asphalt because I only have 4-loc, low lock, and 2wd with no clutch packs so the power always goes 50-50