Truck Repair: 4 x 4 not engageing, chev silverado, first snowfall

Question
i have a 1994 chev silverado 4x4, manual shifter.
works fine in two wheel high but when i engage 4x4 on the floor shifter it remains in 2 wheel drive. is there an elec. silonoid that locks in front diff that may not be working. tranfer case and all seems to be fine.indicator lights dont come on either. i live in northern canada and 4x4 has been engaged since first snowfall. this seemed to have quit suddenly [no noise or grinding]. will get stuck soon please help.

Answer
Hello Larry,
Yes, there is an actuator, and it wasn't uncommon for them to go out in 88-90 or so vehicles.
First check the fuse.
You can take the actuator out, and nothing falls loose. It is on the right axle housing, on the front side. Just screws out.
See if it expands when 4X4 engaged and ignition in run.

I will send a couple links for aftermarket replacements. I haven't tried them, but manual control sounds interesting.

www.4x4posi-lok.com/PDFs/troubleshootguide.pdf

www.4x4posi-lok.com/

offroadltd.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ORL&Product_Code=PSL600


www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PR-shaft/index.html

Then this is a forum link that has a great deal of good Chevy discussion....FREE.

www.chevytalk.org/

Good luck,
Van