I have a 13 Ram 1500 Express 4x4 and it is the first one i have ever owned. Could use some pointers on what to do and not do as far as engaging and disengaging the 4x4. thanks
Yeah. I got one for ya. Use it responsibly and with discretion. Our 1500's have an independent front suspension that utilize cv shafts rather than solid front axles like their heavy duty big brothers. While they will tolerate a fair amount of abuse, they do have their limits also. So don't be one of these guys out there trying to do mud- wheelies with the darn thing like you're running the Moab just so you can pull up to the local gas station and impress all the locals. You will eventually lose.
Oh-and watch the tight turning radius when you're in 4WD...that tends to cause some axle binding. When you get a second, get a creeper and a flashlight and have a look up under the front end of your truck. See those skinny little shafts going from the differential out to the wheels? That's all that is putting every bit of torque your right foot is demanding out to the tires and to the ground. Other than that, GoneFishin said it well above.
So like I said, just use it with some discretion and you'll be fine. Be safe and enjoy!
Best thing to do is find a dirt road somewhere and try out the 4wd system and see how it works. It's a good idea too to cycle it through 4wd hi, 4wd low once a month or so to help keep things working.
Take a cell phone think about a winch (you know the kind for huggin a tree). When I do go to low (which is 90% of the time climbing these hills) I put it in low and travel enough for the tranny to level out (then it's good to go). R...
If you are going to be doing any kind of trail riding other than a gravel road, get better tires, the crappy ones that come on them are not worth a darn!