[NumberCruncher]

I was looking at a dealers inventory and a photo of the Outdoorsman model's 4WD selector dial only shows, 2WD, 4WD Lock and 4WD Low. I guess that proves this model does NOT have the 4WD auto option? If that is the case that is really lame. There are many times when there is enough snow on the ground that I want 4WD but don't want to constantly shift in and out of 4WD as the road changes from snow to asphalt.

Am I seeing things or is this really the case with the Outdoorsman?

NC

http://www.stampedejeep.com/new/Ram/2012-Ram-1500-84edcc2d0a0a00650017578f8d027334.htm

 

[jnram]

It's really the case... a slight bummer indeed.

 

[GTyankee]

It may be the case, but it never hurts to call someone that knows for sure
first ask the dealership & see what they say, if they are not sure they should call someone at DEALER CONNECT

In the meantime, get in touch with RAMTRUCKS.com at & have them do the research & get back to you
http://www.ramtrucks.com/webselfservice/ramtrucks/index.jsp

 

[HemiHamma]

Thats the case with mine. But the outdoorsman package also comes with the limited slip rear end so your probably not going to need the auto setting. Didnt have it in my 05 and never had any problems. plus 4x4 is really only better to get and keep you going, doesnt do much to keep you on the road people. as a trucker i see that mistake all the time.

 

[huntergreen]

i would say no big deal about the awd, then i have to stop and remember how often i use it. lsd is not a substitute, i have had both.

 

[APSTRAM]

Having just installed the factory LSD carrier to my axle I can say that for me LSD makes a world of difference in the wet slushy roads. Before I would have it in 4x4 just to keep the right rear tire from spinning, this morning on the wet slushy roads the traction in 2wd was so much better that I never even thought to put it in 4x4.

 

[wvcoolvinilla]

That was a sticking point with me about getting my outdoorsman. The package starts life as an SLT. Auto $=4WD starts with the bighorn. I have LSD would I like to have auto ? Of course but in the end I wanted the outdoorsmen package and gave up leather and 4AWD to get the outdoorsman. However it is an available option. I just could not find one anywhere and did not want to order an 12 and have to wait on the RAMbox that adds about 6 weeks to the order.

 

[HeyBrownDog]

Having just installed the factory LSD carrier to my axle I can say that for me LSD makes a world of difference in the wet slushy roads. Before I would have it in 4x4 just to keep the right rear tire from spinning, this morning on the wet slushy roads the traction in 2wd was so much better that I never even thought to put it in 4x4.

Can't agree more about the LSD...very much worth it. The AUTO function I personally wouldn't get hung up on it. Maybe it's because I've had numerous GM's with the AUTO function, and never used it. Have it on my Sport and still don't use it. Maybe I'm a control freak, but I like the idea of me the driver making the conscience decision to run 4WD lock or 2WD...not some computer.

I think one of the great things about the Outdoorsman package is the standard LSD. One of the things Chrysler got right, and I personally feel should be standard on any 4x4 truck. :thk:

 

[FireWire]

Having just installed the factory LSD carrier to my axle I can say that for me LSD makes a world of difference in the wet slushy roads. Before I would have it in 4x4 just to keep the right rear tire from spinning, this morning on the wet slushy roads the traction in 2wd was so much better that I never even thought to put it in 4x4.

What was involved with getting the LSD?
I assume the dealer did it.
How much did it cost?
No LS is the only thing I don't like about my Ram.
I got stuck in 1" of snow the other day on a very slight incline.
1 rear and 1 front tire spinning.
390 HP and 4WD without standard LS?:4-dontknow:

 

[ArmyofOne]

See I am very confused by all this. I was under the impression that 4wd LOCK-locked all wheels so they rotate at the same rate. Thats why your drivetrain binds in 4wd.

At least, thats what 4wd Lock is supposed to do. LSD or not. You guys that have a R/F wheel and a L/R wheel spinning, might want to go to the dealership. My truck does not do that. I have had it in the mud, snow and ice. In 4wd lock, all wheels turn at the same rate of speed.

 

[Ironsides]

See I am very confused by all this. I was under the impression that 4wd LOCK-locked all wheels so they rotate at the same rate. Thats why your drivetrain binds in 4wd.

At least, thats what 4wd Lock is supposed to do. LSD or not. You guys that have a R/F wheel and a L/R wheel spinning, might want to go to the dealership. My truck does not do that. I have had it in the mud, snow and ice. In 4wd lock, all wheels turn at the same rate of speed.

You're mistaken. 4WD Lock only locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Only locking differentials lock the 2 wheels of an axle together. Limited Slip differentials will prevent all the power from going to one wheel.

 

[wvcoolvinilla]

You are correct 4WD Lock is all 4.. 4WD is just two. That is why I like the LSD. However in 4WD high I have been out on the hunting lease where I needed 4WD lock to get thru some deep mud.

 

[Ironsides]

You are correct 4WD Lock is all 4.. 4WD is just two. That is why I like the LSD. However in 4WD high I have been out on the hunting lease where I needed 4WD lock to get thru some deep mud.

What? 4WD Lock only locks the front and rear driveshafts together, and 4WD Lock is 4WD High.

 

[ArmyofOne]

You're mistaken. 4WD Lock only locks the front and rear driveshafts together. Only locking differentials lock the 2 wheels of an axle together. Limited Slip differentials will prevent all the power from going to one wheel.

I have definately had all 4 spinnin in the mud before...and the snow...and the ice...

 

[Ironsides]

I have definately had all 4 spinnin in the mud before...and the snow...and the ice...

So have I, but I still have open differentials front and rear. Let me know what happens when one side of your vehicle is on ice and the other on pavement.

 

[ArmyofOne]

So have I, but I still have open differentials front and rear. Let me know what happens when one side of your vehicle is on ice and the other on pavement.

OH:doh: Now I get what you mean, LOL I was totally NOT reading what you were saying correctly.

Fail on my part for my reading comprehension skills.:4-looney:

 

[C0ps]

Why would you need auto 4wd when you have lsd. Thats just like having two 4wd auto buttons.

 

[NumberCruncher]

Why would you need auto 4wd when you have lsd. Thats just like having two 4wd auto buttons.

LSD is for side to side slip. The 4WD auto mode is basically all wheel drive. In Seattle snowfall is often only enough to cover parts of the road. I don't like driving in these conditions with the front and rear differentials locked together. 4WD auto mode allows me to leave it in AWD mode and let the diff's slip as needed depending on conditions. For off-road use or a road covered in snow or ice I wouldn't care but where I live, the 4WD auto has a lot of advantages.

Of course I ended up trading in my 2011 F-150 lemon in on a 2012 as I got a killer deal. I really think I should have just spent the extra 5k and bought the Ram now. Too late however.

NC

 

[GUTS GLORY]

Is the LDS the same as "Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle" ?

Thanks

 

[Unfairkickazz93]

Is the LDS the same as "Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle" ?

Thanks

Yes it is. :smileup: