The 4wd on 97 dodge ram tries to self-engage.

SOURCE: 2001 dodge ram 1500 v8 spark plug wire diagram

the firing order is 1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2 clockwise around the cap

SOURCE: Clicking noise in front end 2001 dodge ram 4x4

the ansew i found is replacing the seal around the joint and from both end removing it and cleaning it out i had rocks in mine from going threw water and mud ita a all day deal but a twenty doller fix axle shaft oil seal is all i had to replace

SOURCE: Noise in front wheels of 97 dodge dakota

You have a wheel hub assembly with bad needle bearings. Make sure by getting the vehicle up to operating speed and cruise a curvy road. A quieting down on a right hand turn will indicate a left wheel bearing assembly,(and vice versa) and you have to put some force into the turn in order to notice the changes in the sound. You'll find one turn will be quieter than the other. I had this problem with a similar vehicle and purchased the wheel hub assembly through Rock Auto (google them. You'll be glad you did). Thirty percent cheaper than the local parts house, and they shipped the part quite quickly. Make sure, by the way, to clean out the pocket where the assembly goes in. Simply pull the wheel off, drop the caliper, and you'll see three bolts holding the assembly. Take the nut off the end of the axle shaft and be prepared to beat the old assembly off with a heavy hammer. You will not have to drop either ball joint, although you should inspect them for wear at that time. Slip the replacement assembly onto the shaft and line up the splines before trying to mount the assembly. The whole job should take you maybe about an hour, and you may not break all that much of a sweat while you're at it. Good luck and be confident. You can do this!

SOURCE: 2006 dodge ram 2500 4x4 diesel replace brake pads front and back

Straight forward job. Remove wheels, remove 2 caliper bolts per wheel, check bolts,and bushings for wear/corrosion and lubricate, remove calipers, remove brake pads, push caliper pistons into calipers, replace anti-rattle clips, put new pads in, put caliper and bolts in, put wheels on. Start truck and press brake pedal several times to take up slack and you're done.

SOURCE: 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Front end 4wd Noise and smell

check the front diff's gear oil level i have an 02 Ram 1500 4x4 Off Road edition and had that exact problem took it to a mechanic and descricbed the issue and they gave me a written quote of how much it would cost and what the problem was, and it ended up being the front diff didnt have enough gear oil and you also have to add a posi track oil into it to or else it voids the warrenty at auto zone its right next to the gear oil and in a small tube.