I have a 2015 ram 1500 4x4. I run into a few instances quite often where I want the low range grunt without the 4wd traction. I have electronic shift 4x4, so my question is if I unplug the connector/harness to the front axle actuator will that give me 2wd low range?

Will it hurt the transfer case? I assume I may get a check engine light or something at least till I hook it back up, but I'm ok with that.

Anyone know? Thinking about giving it a try. I mainly use it backing my boat into drive way up a steep hill and I hate doing it in 4-low on cement/pavement.

If this is possible I would like to install a toggle switch to allow me to turn the actuator on/off without unplugging it though.

Why wouldn't you want 4wd traction?

Maneuvering 4x4 on cement puts the drive train in a pretty good bind. Lots of turning involved in getting it into the garage.

One of the many reasons I bought a Tacoma and now a Tundra is the helpful folks on the forums. Might try the Dodge forum if there is one. If you do it often you might consider a switch. I am fairly certain that someone on the Tacoma forum could come up with a McGyver solution.

Harder on tires than the drive train.

2wd low sound like a good idea but in real life isn't very useful.

I would use 2wd in a manual lock 1st gear in that situation...if you get wheel spin use 4 hi

I�m betting there is a way to rig it to where it is possible. I miss that feature on my current pickup. My previous pickup I ordered it with manual hubs and floor shifter, it was a 2003 F 350. I don�t even know if it is an option these days. I liked it while backing up to a couple of my loading chutes when you had to cut the trailer in to it, and it was on an uphill slope. It would just idle up there, and no popping and grinding like it would with hubs engaged.

On GM it will set a code, turn on a light, and default to normal 2wd. Probably the same for you Ram.

There is a company that has figured it out with all the proper relays etc. Cost is $150, I was hoping I could make a switch myself and do it for less than $20, but not out on the other one.

In the ram w/ 8 speed reverse is about the same as 2nd gear, a stupid idea for a truck, but this transmission is also widely used in smaller performance cars also so was probably an oversight. Low range helps out tremendously. Backing our boat up the driveway sometimes has the tach at 2000-2500 rpm and just crawling up the driveway, in 4-low it almost does it without touching the accelerator. Wheel spin/traction is not an issue but gearing is definitely lacking.

man, that's weird that your reverse gear is not a low gear. My F150 reverse has as much power as locking it in 1st and speed is about the same.

So back the boat up the drive way at 3K rpm. If you unplug the actuator, it will not see the slip collar when it�s demanding it, and will default to 2wd. Possibly having to clear the codes to get back 4x4.

Personally, I would tune the truck. More power, better fuel economy, and get rid of most the the torque management (what it seems like your experiencing) all for $400. Yea, you could pay $150 for something that will give you what you want, but personally, I�m not comfortable with cutting and splicing the factory wire harness for something that is probably going to cause some sort of damage and can�t be easily put back to stock; you have any drive train issues with that switch installed and take it to the dealer for the repair, say bye bye to your factory drivetrain warranty.