I changed the actuator, front axle still doesnt spin tires in 4x4

Your vehicle had option of two different 4x4 systems ,
New Venture Gear 263 Selectable Two Speed Transfer Case
The NVG 263 transfer case features a three button shift control switch located on the instrument panel. When the vehicle has the ignition key in the RUN position, the transfer case shift control module starts monitoring the transfer case shift control switch to determine if the driver desires a new mode/gear position. At a single press of the transfer case shift control switch, the lamp of the new desired position will begin flashing to inform the driver that the transfer case shift control module has received the request for a new mode/gear position. The lamp will continue to flash until all shifting criteria has been met and the new mode/gear position has been reached (or has been engaged). Once the new mode/gear position is fully active, the switch indicator lamp for the new position will remain ON constantly.
The NVG 263 transfer case provides the driver with 3 manual mode/gear positions:
• 2HI - 2 Wheel Drive high range
• 4HI - 4 Wheel Drive high range
• 4LO - 4 Wheel Drive low range
OR
The NVG 236/246 transfer case features a 4 button shift control switch located on the instrument panel. When the vehicle has the ignition key in the RUN position, the transfer case shift control module starts monitoring the transfer case shift control switch to determine if the driver desires a new mode/gear position. At a single press of the transfer case shift control switch, the lamp of the new desired position will begin flashing to inform the driver that the transfer case shift control module has received the request for a new mode/gear position. The lamp will continue to flash until all shifting criteria has been met and the new mode/gear position has been reached, or has been engaged. Once the new mode/gear position is fully active, the switch indicator lamp for the new position will remain ON constantly.
If there are problems with electronic part of the systems the shift control switch light will flash warning of a problem , If no lights you have a mechanical problem in the transfer case itself .
The front axle control circuit consists of an electric motor actuator which engages and disengages the front axle. The front axle actuator motor consists of a Permanent Magnetic (PM) motor, a worm gear controlled plunger, a front axle switch and an electronic control circuit all within the actuator assembly.
The front axle actuator has four circuits connected to it, a front axle feed circuit, front axle ground circuit, front axle control circuit and a front axle switch circuit.
Whenever a shift to AUTO 4WD, 4HI, or 4LO is requested, the transfer case shift control module engages the front axle by grounding the front axle control circuit through a current limiting driver. Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Tests the electrical function of the front axle actuator. Helps determine between mechanical and electrical malfunctions.
Tests for proper power and ground at the front axle actuator.
Tests the operation of the front axle control circuit.
Helps determine if the transfer case shift control module is able to monitor the front axle switch.
Tests the front axle switch circuit for an open or high resistance.
Measures the voltage between the front axle feed circuit and ground.
Tests the front axle control circuit for an open or high resistance.
Inspects the front axle for a mechanical malfunction.
Tests for open in the front axle feed circuit.

Look under there and see, but I think they (the hub locks) are engaged by vacuum motors.

The Selectable Four Wheel Drive (S4WD) Front Axle consist of the following components:
• Differential Carrier Housing
• Differential Case Assembly
• Inner Axle Shaft
• Intermediate Shaft Bearing Assembly (located on the right side of the oil pan)
• Electric Motor Actuator
The front axle on Selectable Four Wheel Drive (S4WD) model vehicles uses a disconnect feature mounted on the right side of the oil pan in order to engage and disengage the front axle. When the driver engages the 4WD system, the Transfer Case Control Module sends a signal to the electric motor actuator to energize and extend the plunger inside. The extended plunger moves the clutch fork and clutch fork sleeve across from the clutch fork outer gear that is splined to the right side wheel drive shaft to the clutch fork inner gear that is splined to the inner axle shaft. The locking of the two gears allows the axle to operate in the same manner as a semi-floating rear axle. A propeller shaft connects the transfer case to the front axle. The differential carrier assembly uses a conventional ring and pinion gear set to transmit the driving force of the engine to the wheels. The open differential allows the wheels to turn at different rates of speed while the axle continues to transmit the driving force. This prevents tire scuffing when going around corners and premature wear on internal axle parts. The ring and pinion set and the differential are contained within the carrier. The axle identification number is located on top of the differential carrier assembly or on a label on the bottom of the right half of differential carrier assembly. The wheel drive shafts are completely flexible assemblies consisting of inner and outer constant velocity CV joints protected by thermoplastic boots and connected by a wheel drive shaft.

How To Install Repair Replace 4x4 Front Axle Actuator Chevy Trailblazer...

I am a bit rusty on the 22 year old part. Someone else may be more informative, but on some of the 4x4 actuators they used different methods of moving the internal parts.

The actuator used to be Vacuum operated and the part would move a certain distance to put the transfer into high or low mode. If the actuator did not fully extend or contract you would be between gears; sort of in Neutral.

You are now faced with the front driveshaft free-wheeling(But which end?). Disconnect one end of the front driveshaft so you can feel whether the transfer case is free-wheeling or if the other end of the shaft is turning anything in the front axle. With the front hubs locked, the front driveshaft should not turn or if jacked up, the tires should spin when the front driveshaft is turned by hand.

When you are assured that the front axle is fine, then the problem can only be the transfer case. I remember people had a lot of trouble with the actuators.

I hope this gives you a way to test which end of the front driveshaft is the problem.

There are some Blogs on the internet like Ford4x4Owners.com and Off-Road Blogs which can be very helpful. I hope my suggestion helps.

sounds like the front axle actuator might be bad. you can remove it and then switch into 4x4 and see if it moves the actuator. if it doesnt move then it is bad.

Try jacking up one side of the front and putting it on a jackstand. Then turn key on(but dont start it) and put it in 4hi. Try to spin the tire in the air. The drive shaft should not turn nor the wheel. If the wheel does then maybe the acuator is not moving in the axle. It worked when you pulled it out but it might be hanging up on something in the axle.

Sounds like the chain in the transfer case has broke or the linkage is out of adjustment

There is a vacuum switch on the transfer case that goes bad. Check to see if you have vacuum to the actuator for the front axle when it is engaged. The actuator is located on the right fender area under the battery I think. Check the hose also.

sorry lost here ,never seen one but if transmission shaft is turning to front diff then the problem is their,could be anyting from a sheared diff pinion to a broken planet wheel or possible evan a snapped half shaft or the spline on the end of the half shaft has worn and rounded off

1998 dodge ram quad..front end wont lock in or the lights come on to tell you its in 4x4..***** little