Issue link: https://transmissiondigest.epubxp.com/i/489820
Up To Standards 18 Transmission Digest • Author: Mike Weinberg, Contributing Editor • Subject Matter: Transfer Case • Unit: BW 44-44 • Vehicle Application: Ram 1500 pickup trucks • Issue: Conversion Kit For Plowing TECHNICAL TRAINING Snow plowing = transfer-case failures E xperience we gain from solving problems gener- ated in the transmission repair industry sheds light on various common failures and allows us to see trends that provide new products to solve de- sign issues. From 2011 on, Dodge has offered Ram 1500 pick- ups equipped with the BW 44-44 transfer case. The 44- 44 transfer case is a computer controlled "active" full-time transfer case. A wet clutch pack in the transfer case can split torque between the front and rear axles depending on the range selected by the driver. There is a 4WD low range that provides a 2.64-1 gear reduction for off- road use. A dash-mounted selector switch allows the driver to select five ranges, which include 2High, 1 The clutch pack and actuator with the shift fork as it sits in the case. 2 The clutch pack and electronic actuator as it sits in the case. The electromagnetic unit has been removed for a better view. Wet clutch pack uses ramp-and-ball system 4WD Auto (which can be used on dry pavement), 4WD Lock, Neutral, and 4WD Low. The shift selector switch feeds range selection to the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM), combined with input from the transfer-case mode sensor and input from the truck's bus to determine if a shift is permitted within the design parameters. If the shift command meets the software require- ments, the externally mounted shift motor will shift into the desired range. The wet clutch is electro- mechanical design, using a clutch pack and a ramp- and-ball system to engage the clutch pack to send torque to the front axle when a slip is detected (differ- ence in axle speeds) in 4WD auto range. In the other continues page 20
