I recntly recieved a 1988 k 1500 silverado 4x4. The 4wd does not seem to work. The truck has about 122k miles and has been sitting for the past six months or so. The truck has had only 3 different owners and has been taken very good care of. The 4wd seems to go into 4lo but does not seem like the front wheels should be getting the power it should be. I am positve though there is front axle engagement but whenever i try to engage 4hi nothing happens at all. I have even tried engaging it and letting it sit for a while to see if anything happens. Also the 4x4 shifter lights do not light up even when it feels like it engages into 4lo.(i checked the lights and replaced them in the 4x4 indicator and they both work). Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

I have heard alot about the Front Axle Actuators going out on those trucks.

your front axle has an electric solenoid. there is 2 wires going to it. i just replaced mine and it works and the light works again. its right in the center under the front. my actuater ran me 80 bucks but its an easy job. good luck.

Did you ever have to replave the actuator in you truck? I dont know whats wrong with mine. I got under my truck and could not find that unit on the front differnetial... but i decidced to take of my actuator and see if it worked and it was expanding in and out when i would put it into 4hi or lo..but when i went back to 2hi i would barely despand inward... I have heard of a way to test those actuators by jacking your truck up, putting into 4wd and if the front wheels can be rotated by hand then the actuator is bad. Do you have any other idea.. or hell i just may have not been able to find that unit on the differential!

i tested the 4wd light and i wasnt getting and power...