1994 4X4 not working

i have automatic hubs in my 94 explorer and my 4wheel drive doesnt fully engage. when i push the button on the dash, the light comes on and the driveshaft spins, but i'm assuming the hubs never work. I dont want to spend the money to replace the hubs if its only a minor problem that i can just kinda look at and figure out. I dont know much about 4x4 and hubs and everything but i've read somewhere that the bearings inside the hubs have to be aligned perfectly or something...any ideas on what to look at or help on saving money would be appreciated

I have a 92 Explorer with the same problem. The Explorers are known for have bad automatic hubs. check to see if the hubs are over greesed, being that they lock magneticly the greese may cause them not to lock. To check them, remove the hub from the explorer and push in on the bushing on the inside of the hub then check to see if the inside of the hub is movable or if its inmovable the that your problem but if it still moves id suggest you get new hubs. get manuels there cheaper and more reliable.

take of the front tires to see if the front axles move if not then most likely the front gears are shot. i read that a crack can cause oil to leak then freeze i have the same problem but havent had the money to fix.

had the same problem on my 94 exp front hubs were gutted metal flakes changed over to warn manual locking hubs couldnt be happier price was approx 150 with the change over kit to manual

you should never pack your automatic locking hubs with grease. this will keep them from engaging. I had the same problem with my 94 eddie bauer. I used automatic trans fluid to lube mine up and they work great.
Remember these are not wheel bearings and they do not get that much use so they do not need to be packed with grease.