Front axle grinds when put into 4WD

[chevymank15]

This is a problem on a '98 K1500 Z71 Ext cab with the 350 cu. in.

When I put the truck in 4WD the front axle grinds like someone trying to put a manual in gear without using the clutch, just its a much slower grinding sound (hope you understand that). I also have no power to the front wheels but I'm certain the t-case in engaging. I'm suspecting the front axle solenoid is out but it costs 119.99 at autozone and I'm not about to spend that much without knowing it could be something else. Also, I live in Illinois and one of my friends mentioned that it could be frozen, that makes no sense to me being as how its inside the front axle and basically completely sealed but maybe one of you have had that problem.

Thanks for any help and if you need more info just ask.

[fmx_guy]

does the 4x4 indicator light come on. if it does not i would suspect the actuator not completely engauging completly (grinding)if its any thing like my 94 the actuator pushes a sliding gear into another to engauge 4x4. the floor shifter on mine engauges the transfer case and at the same time the actuator is activated electronically to activate the front diff. you can always take the actuator out and take a socket extention and try to activate it manually have a friend inside to watch for the indicator to light. keep in mind you may have to slightly move the truck to allow the gears engauge. so take careful precautions while under there! Hope this helps you

[chevymank15]

I'll try and do it manually the light comes on and it shifts into 4H and 4L no problem it just isn't engaging the front axle. I'm going to assume its the solenoid, thanks for your help.