[Reedy74]

Hi Guys,

I'm a bit of a newbie here. I'm picking up a 2007 Ram 1500 Long Horn HEMI in a week or so and I've been trying to find out about this models 4 wheel drive setup. I have a relatively good understanding of how the various forms of 4wd work, and how part time and full time differ, but I can't find much information on the model I'm getting.

All I really know is it doesn't have a selector in the cab like most. I did some research and it seems that an electronic switch is in some of them, and a manual stick shifter in others. My confusion comes from the fact this truck I'm getting doesn't have anything for 4WD selection.

I assume this means it's permanent 4WD, but my worry is that it won't have the Lo or Hi ranges. To be a permanent 4WD I assume it needs a center diff of some sort, most likely to be viscous coupling or something similar? This explains how it can operate in 4wd all the time without damaging itself. Or does it just not have a centre diff and I should expect slippage?? But what about independent front and rear operation? I assume there must be a diff on each axel for normal town driving and cornering, but how do these hold up in off road conditions if they can't be altered or adjusted by the driver?

Is this is likely to be an issue for me? I live in the middle east and the vast majority of my play ground in sand and creeks, but I worry that it might not be as 4WD capable as I need.

I could really appreciate someone, somewhere shedding some like on this for me.

Many thanks in advance,

Reedy

 

[dirt dauber]

first,make sure there is a front axle differential and that it for sure has 4 wheel drive
this model could be just 2 wheel drive

 

[Ranman]

first,make sure there is a front axle differential and that it for sure has 4 wheel drive
this model could be just 2 wheel drive

x2^^^ Sounds like your getting a 2WD. Have a look underneath

 

[xtreme762]

AWD Rams do exist. It was an option from the factory, and it's very rare.

Sorry to say, though, that I know nothing about how it works. I do know that everyone I know that has an AWD Ram LOVES them because they drive, and handle like a dream.

From what I understand, parts and such are VERY expensive too..

 

[Reedy74]

Thanks for the info. I have messaged the guy and he is absolutely certain it's a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn 4x4. I can deduce from the name that most of this is true based on the style and the 4 doors, but the 2WD and the 4WD look the same from the outside.

According to most photos etc, the 4x4 edition has '4x4' in large silver lettering on the back door. I know this isn't proof but it is evidence towards it being a 4wd model.

My next question is, can it be a 4wd even if it doesn't have a 4wd selector for hi or lo etc in the cab?

 

[Lil Black 4x4 Hemi]

Thanks for the info. I have messaged the guy and he is absolutely certain it's a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn 4x4. I can deduce from the name that most of this is true based on the style and the 4 doors, but the 2WD and the 4WD look the same from the outside.

According to most photos etc, the 4x4 edition has '4x4' in large silver lettering on the back door. I know this isn't proof but it is evidence towards it being a 4wd model.

My next question is, can it be a 4wd even if it doesn't have a 4wd selector for hi or lo etc in the cab?

The 4x4 emblem is on the tailgate.

If it does not have a lever in the floor, or if it does not have a knob on the dash it is NOT a 4x4.

If it is an AWD it will have a badge internally, somewhere. You need to crawl under the truck and see the front differential. If there is not a differential it is not a 4x4 or AWD.

I really believe someone is trying to rip you off and this is not a 4x4 if there is nothing in the cabin. An emblem on the back door would not be factory.

 

[Reedy74]

Right. I've just been informed by the guy it's an AWD model and he didn't realise their was a difference. What would this mean in terms of off road performance?

Would it still have a series of diffs for torque distribution to each of the wheels? I can only guess the major difference is this is all automated and not manual, so I loose the diff lock, hi and lo options?

Would this still be able to handle rougher and softer ground like sand and rocks?

Edit: I forgot to ask in addition, if this is AWD, is this likely to be a Full Time AWD system or some dodgy modern AWD where all the wheel can turn but not at the same time??

Thanks

 

[Reedy74]

Right, final update. The guy has now told me this is a 2wd model which but he didn't realise. This explains the lack of 4wd selector. I've unfortunately had to decline the car as it wouldn't last a minute on the sand dunes! Thanks so much for all your help, I've narrowly missed a costly mistake!

Reedy

 

[docrestoration]

Sounds like a two wheel, look up underneathe it, sometimes you gotta look up the skirt to understand it

 

[Lil Black 4x4 Hemi]

Right, final update. The guy has now told me this is a 2wd model which but he didn't realise. This explains the lack of 4wd selector. I've unfortunately had to decline the car as it wouldn't last a minute on the sand dunes! Thanks so much for all your help, I've narrowly missed a costly mistake!

Reedy

Glad it worked out that you didn't make a mistake!

 

[wpattie]

Wow the guy selling it sounds shady, hopefully he doesn't screw some one else.