this is going to make me sound stupid but im asking it anyway. how can i tell for sure if my 4 wheel drive is engaging? i shift the shifter on the floor into 4hi and it sounds like it is engaging and the 4hi light comes on but im not sure if it is really in 4x4. any help would be great.

 

Turn your 4x4 on and reach under the truck. Grab on the front drive shaft and try and turn it. If it turns, it's not engaging properly. If it's solid and won't turn, then it is engaged,
The more fun way would be to find some loose gravel or sand and get all 4 wheels spinning

 

put it in four low crank the wheel if the front binds you r in 4x4 you can feel it in the last 1/4 turn dont do to much may ruin front end