Symptoms
You're tired of chasing vacuum faults, or you want 4WD you can trust off-road. The factory hubs are always engaged, so the front axle can't be disconnected at the wheels.
The fix, step by step
- RamCharger Central owners describe this method.
- Remove the CAD vacuum motor and move the fork and shift collar to the engaged position, so the two-piece shaft is locked as if in 4WD.
- Refit the E-clips so the fork stays there, then put the motor back on to seal the housing.
- Replace the drive flanges at the wheels with manual locking hubs.
- In 2WD you leave the hubs unlocked.
- To use 4WD, lock the hubs and shift the transfer case.
- Without hubs, a locked CAD means both front shafts spin all the time.
Tools & part numbers
- Snap-ring pliers
- hub tools
- torque wrench
- new gaskets
Where to buy the parts
Warn 9790 standard lockout hub set (internally splined hubs, 1969–93 Dodge)Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
Warn 20990 premium hub set for Dana 44Torque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
QU40090 CAD housing gasketTorque King 4x4 ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Dodge Ramcharger (1981–1993) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.