My 4x4 didn't work all last winter so I just installed all new vacuum hoses and the problem should now be fixed, but there's no snow yet so there isn't any way to be sure.

Does anyone have any ideas to test to see if it works now? The vacuum actuator is now getting vacuum, but is there any way I can test to see if the 4x4 is locking in without testing on a lift?

 

um... heres a few options....
engage 4wd and attempt to turn, you will be able to tell if the 4wd is engaged.
your profile doesnt say anything about your vehicle or where you live so im gonna wing the next part...
select 4wd, and go spinning around some gravel, up a hill, through some sand, and up a sand hill. you will know.

still the easiest thing to do is jack it up, put it on stands, go to the other side, repeat, try 4wd and see if both sets of wheels spin.

mud will work in place of sand or gravel if thats easier to find, just dont go to deep.

 

or get on some wet grass, it will be difficult to accelerate in 2wd but not in 4wd

 

It's a 96 blazer and I'm located in ct if that makes any difference. I don't have any jack stands so I'm just going to have to find a steep hill I guess. Not sure where I can find any sand to drive in around here.

 

What did you mean by that by the way? How can you tell when you turn? Something specific i should be feeling for?

 

Yes. Sorry. To elaborate; when you 4WD is engaged it will feel MUCH different when you turn.

First, make a turn (like 90 degrees or better yet, like yer banging out a U-turn) while rolling slowly (say 10 mph) and give her a little gas. nice right?

Now, punch in the 4WD and repeat. The front tires are going to be pulling you in the direction the are pointed, while the rear's are pushing you straight. This will feel choppy, like going up a semi steep loose hill (gravel driveway, dirt hill etc). Wont hurt anything, just feels like grab-go-grab-go-grab-go etc.

BTW blazer blaze13 is right about the grass action as well. And as for your second question, doesn't CT have a beach you're like one of the 10 smallest states in the union so it shouldn't be TOO far.

Also you can get some 2 ton GM jack stands for like $20 (for a pair) at Walmart. Or 2 ton floor jack and 2 jack stands for $30-35. They are handy, do more than you'd think, trick the ladies into think you have real mechanical chops, and give you the warm and fuzzy of knowing that your significant other can be tied up in, and eventually lose, a long drawn out lawsuit when they fail and you are crushed under your car! I mean warm and fuzzy of knowing it's not just the jack keeping your car off your chest.

 

You could also put your front tires flush against a significant ledge such as a tall sidewalk or parking block...thing. Put it in 4wd. If you go over, you probably have 4wd. If the rear tires spin and your don't move...you know the rest. Jack stands are full proof though.

 

ABN you are a genius... the u turn trick worked perfect. It was a nice smooth ride in 2h while turning, but as soon as i put it in 4h and started turning it was just like you said it would be... a very choppy ride. It was a completely different ride when i put it in 4wd. I'm assuming my blazer is now ready for some snow. What a relief... i'm going to have a beautiful sleep tonight not having to worry about this anymore. Thanks man.

 

It's ready for a lot more than that =D

 

ABN and You're a genius are seldom said in the same sentence I like the sound of it though *basks in his geniosity*

glad to hear shes up and rolling though. mine its still down (they think is a warn part inside my TC. that wont allow anything but auto 4wd... WTF?) and only $300 to fix! What a deal!