97 Explorer 4wd Problem with front wheels

[ssarkees]

Dont confuze this with the 95 - different front end.

Here is the problem -
When I put it in 4wd high or low, the transfer case engages, but the front wheels do not. (example - put it in 4L and it goes into Low gear, but the front wheels never engage - same with 4H). I thought that it might be the GEM located in the dash, but if it were, it would not engage at all. I also found that on a 95 and earlier there is a vacuum solenoid on the front axle that slides the gear over to engage the hubs. However, on a 97 it has an independant suspension and I cannot find anything like that at all. I bought the Haynes Manual and it doesnt mension anything of the sort. I am lost - please help!

Thanks in advance - Steve S.

[gdbrown]

Did you ever resolve your issue with the front end not engaging? My '99 XLT has the same problem. It cost me $75 to have a tow truck get me out of 3 inches of mud! Not what I needed. I have had no responses to my request for help with this problem and I'm sure we are not the only ones to have this problem.