4x4 problems engaging

Howdy all. So ever since i have had this truck it has given me the same trouble. when i want to use my 4x4, it takes a really long time to get it to go into 4x4 if it even will. i can switch to 4h and hit reverse and forward again, and drive around and it never acts like it will go into 4h. i can switch to 4l, hit reverse and forward again and it never works on the first try. if i can get it into 4l it is by switching back and forth between 4l and n repeatedly, then trying reverse and forward again. usually it will finally go into 4x4 after about 5 minutes sitting there messing with it like that. i just got done changing both cv axles last night, and in the minute or two i spent with it it would not engage into 4x4, doing the same things as before the axles.. i was hoping switching them might help, but no luck. im not certain if it will still go into 4x4 or not as i was tired as hell and getting mad at it last night so i gave up. but im just wondering if there is some sort of actuator that has gone out or just what it could be.. any thoughts would be helpful.

truck is 00' 3.4 5 speed with 163k mi. when trying to engage 4x4 my method is to hit neutral while stopped, with clutch out usually, sometimes in, and then switch to 4l, then back to n and 4l repeatedly to get it to engage. my factory trd locker works just fine through this whole process also..

thanks for any input,
Brian

 

is it a manual locking hubs? is it a manual shift to go into 4 hi or 4 lo?

 

sorry bout that, forgot to say it is auto locking hubs, shifter knob select.

tried again to get it into 4x4 earlier today, would not go in at all. finally picked up a haines manual today, going to check my actuator as soon as i get a chance.

 

you might have a Vaccum line hose down there on your actuator with a hole in it.

 

hmm, ill keep a lookout when i get a chance to mess with it again, hopefully do something with it tomorrow. thanks