96 Blazer acuator question

My manual 4 wheel drive is not engaging so I started ck'ng. a few things. When I push the actuator diaphram in I notice the cable not being pulled. Seems to be a ridge cut into the cable where a clip of some sort would snap into.There is no clip but a piece of wire wrapped 2 or 3 times around it. Sombody's quick fix? Dont look like a clip. Also when I press the diaphram I here air coming from the vacuum hose that comes from underneath actuator and goes to what looks like somewhere in the firewall? I honestly cant see the vacuum lines that are on the top of the transfer case unless I am lookin in the wrong place. Almost every line, hose whatever has that plastic protective sleeve on it. Checked the electrical plug by the T case and it is good. All the shift indicator lights stay on when I shift to 4 hi or lo. Can here it engaging but front wheels are not turning. Is there a way to test the cable to see if the diaphram is the problem? Sorry for being so long winded. Ck'd the forum but probably missed some things. All help greatly appreciated!

Thankx


P.S. 4.3 W code Auto with manual 4x4

You have a vacuum leak somewhere.

Check all vacuum lines for cracks.

To check the cable is a little awkward. The trick is to jack up the right front wheel, pull the diaphram in, then turn the right front wheel at the same time. If the cable is working, the axle will engage. The wire spring on the diaphram is normal. The straight piece locks the cable into place.

Sorry for the late reply but went out of town. Thanks for the the info Blazerlt & Ricksza. Will ck. out later today and give an update.

Thankx Again