4x4 not engaging..
 

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? :humm:

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.

Hey Hoffy85, can you tell me more about your incident with your front axle when it wouldn't engage? I used my 4X4 today and drove about 15 miles. I stopped and got me a bite to eat that took me maybe 30 minutes. Then when I was leaving I noticed I did not have any traction, and the indicator light at the shifter was out. Checked out all fuses for the TC (transfer Case)and 4x4, all good. I can tell the TC was engaged when I tried it in 4 high, back to 4 low and then into 2 wheel drive. The gear ratio changed with it to. But my front axle just wouldn't lock in or engage and the indicator light wouldn't come on. Was wondering if that was the same issues you experienced too. Man I just cant afford any high dollar repairs right now. I pray I have the same problem you do? Can you or anyone help me? :argh:

It sounds like the same issue I was having with the actuator on the front differential. Its a pretty simple repair. The actuator just un screws and there is also a wire that's plugged in that you have to unplug. You just unscrew it and unplug the wire and screw the new one in. I can't remember but I think that actuator was between $100 and $130 or so but don't quote me on that. For some reason on my Tahoe that new actuators kept going out though even when I put a new one in. I ended up selling my Tahoe about a year or so ago though. Good luck!!