Im trying to wrap my brain around how the front axle engages. Right now, the transfer case seems to engage (front axle turns when in 4h or 4l) but it doesnt "feel" like the front axle is engaging. How does the system work? What should I look for with this problem?

 

Take it out to somewhere thats got gravel and put it in 4l
boot it from a standing start and youll find out real quick if it works or not

 

The vacuum lines operate, the motor on the axle housing to move a collar that connects the two peice shaft, when it dosent work, beings the front is an open differential it sends power to the that side.

 

looks like this

 

No more need for the vacuum in the front axle

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f58/ho...si-lock-76150/

 

i am new at this.. haha but i had the same problem.. so i pluged the lines off to the axle.. then welded that ring all the way over to the left so i wwont have to worry about not enough vacuum to move that peice over when i put it in 4wd.. no problems with it on road or off road