I've got a 1995 Chevy 2 dr tahoe with a 6.5 tb in it. I recently went to engage the 4 wheel drive and am pretty sure its not engaging. Usually the light on the floor where you engage it lights up but its night lighting up. It also doesn't handle in the snow like its engaged. Does anyone have any tips or tricks that I can try before I take it to a shop and my wallet takes a hit?

on the front axle on the passenger side there is an actuator that screws up in the axle tube. check and see if u have voltage on the plug when its put into 4wheel drive. if u have power at the plug and your front driveshaft cannot be turned by hand with the front wheels on the ground when its in 4wheel drive then your actuator is bad. they cost around 65 bucks at autozone or napa.

Is that a part that's pretty typical to go out?

yes, i had a 94 model gas truck and i put 3 on it over a 4 year period. alot of my friends with 91 to 98 models have had no better luck than me.

That's exactly what the issue was. Tested it, got the new part, and installed it today! Thanks so much for your help!

your welcome

hey, not looking to hijack the old post...but how smoothly should it move from 2w to 4w? I was testing mine out and it required some good force and there was a grind (and I was in neutral) I don't really use it so it's not a big priority, but what are your thoughts?

Assuming it the floor lever type, some drop right in, some drop in with a little protest (my 89 was that way) some require a good yank and graunch.

I would guess it has to do with use and wear as much as anything.

My 89 went for years that way with no issue.