three cut tubes!!!!

Okay jeepers, I went under my 87 cherokee and I saw these three tubes that went from up in the engine compartment down through a disconect and on to a circular turtle wax looking thing mounted on the front axle. I could not see where the tubes went and I want to know what they are. I am guessing that they are vaccum tubes for the 4wd, but I have taken my jeep up some prety intense rocky hills and don't think that I could have made it without the 4wd. I have not cut anything and it is a clean cut that looks old. I guess I don't know for sure if the 4wd is engaging so what to do huh?