On a 1997 1500 v8 ram do you need to lock the hubs or anything to engage 4 wd

Depends, there were different engine and transmission options. This site has lots of info on your truck: https://www.allpar.com/model/ram/1994-ram.html

From Allpar.com: Four wheel drive models used a part-time, synchronized transfer case - NV231, NV241, or NV241HD - which had four wheel drive low and neutral modes along with rear wheel drive and high-gear four wheel drive. The low-range ratio was 2.72 and there was no center differential. Minimum ground clearance was at least 8.2 inches on 1500, at least 8.6 inches on 2500, and at least 9.8 inches on 3500. The NV 231 HD transfer case was used on Ram 1500. This was a strengthened version of a transfer case already used on the Dakota. It had a larger main shaft and a wider chain and sprockets for greater durability than the Dakota unit. It was lighter and shifted more smoothly than the transfer case used in the previous 150 model. The NV 241 transfer case was standard on Ram 2500 trucks. This was a modified version of the transfer case used for both D150 and D250 models on the previous Ram pickup. Changes were limited to the new housing and shifter mechanism.