My dad picked up an 88 Dodge Ram 1500. 318 4x4. It seems like the thing doesn't want to come out of 4WD. Any tricks? Truck runs and drives great otherwise.

Start by checking the transfer case shift linkage is functioning and adjusted correctly

You can do quick check by jacking rear off ground, and carefully run the thing in 2 wheel normal mode and see if it wants to creep with jack. If the rear runs by itself then the case may not be a problem, but the vacuum disconnect on front might be screwy.

Better idea than above, just so you don't run yourself over, jack up the front wheels and try turning the front driveshaft. Engine off, trans in park, t case in 2wd.

If the shaft spins and the wheels don't, you're in 2wd.

If the shaft spins and the wheels do too, the axle disconnect is locked, it may be broken or bypassed which is a common mod.

If the shaft won't spin then t case is in 4wd. Check linkage.

One more step, start engine and shift t case to 4wd. Engine off, trans in park. Spin front shaft.

Shaft won't turn? You got 4wd in the case.
Front wheels don't turn? Axle disconnect is engaged.

It won't come out of 4wd. Light stays on and all. I'll have to run up (WV) and see what's up.

Try popping it out of 4WD while in reverse backing up.

Best done in a big field with nothing around

"Light stays on and all" just means that the front axle vacuum may be applied , with servo getting vacuum signal from switch on t-case that sometimes fail. Means that front axle is connected from driveshaft to outer hubs. May not be connected mechanically to rear shaft inside case.

Right, the switch for the dash indicator is on the axle.

Again, could be broken, could be bad vacuum line or switch or could be in permanent lock which is a common modification.

Were the front wheels off the ground? This is important.

pretty sure it is in 4wd, but when I go up well get it on stands and see.

no we just drove it from the sellers house to my dads, about 40 miles.

If it's in 4WD it will bind up pretty good and want to jump when turning a corner. It won't feel normal at all.