TRANSFER CASE SWAP

A four-wheel drive that is not a genuine four-wheel drive? Many would say it is common without lockers or fancy computer software to aid traction control-and they would be right.

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But what about a 4WD pickup that doesn't maintain at least a single front and rear tire fighting for traction? You probably know what I am talking about if you have a 2012-2018 Ram 1500 (or the 2019+ Ram 1500 Classic) with the Borg Warner 44-44 transfer case. This transfer case has earned a reputation for falling short if faced with deep mud, sand, or snow. I have experienced it firsthand in deep snow and on a sandy beach, and my pickup left me wanting more. So why have this transfer case in your pickup, and how do you know that the 44-44 is the one you have in your Ram? First, if you have the 4WD AUTO option, the 44-44 is your transfer case. If you don't have the 4WD AUTO option, the Borg Warner 44-45 is your transfer case, and you won't experience the same issues. In fact, one solution for these Ram pickups is to swap out your 44-44 for a 44-45. Many people choose to go this route to avoid the transfer case clutch packs and programming of the 44-44. In my situation, this swap was not an option. I live in an area with snow on the ground for five months of the year (at least), and the roadways range from reasonably clear to completely snow-packed with changes occurring within miles or hours.

I run all winter in 4WD AUTO to handle these variable road conditions. It is fantastic for this kind of use!