a friend of mine has an 88 chevy full size and the hubs wont lock in someone said it could be the accuator but it is electric instead of vaccum is there anything else we should look for before changing that and does anyone know if this spins out or if you have to drop the cover to get to it

 

Is this a fullsize Blazer/Suburban or a fullsize pickup? If its a solid front axle, try tapping on the front hubs with a mallet or 2x4 to get them to engage.

 

it is a 2500 pickup and it is not a solid axle it has cv axles, no lock outs

 

Get a test light and make sure that you are getting 12 voltage to the electric actuator. If so then pull the actuator unit and make sure the sleeve is engaging.

 

There aren't HUBS on a 89 Chevy full-size pickup. As stated all electric in transfer case.

 

"V" series 1 ton crew cabs had solid front axles up to 1991. (just being technical... lol)