Should be very little, if any fluid loss. If you take of the cad housing, you will lose a bit, but, not very much.

 

It doesn't look like I need to take off the housing. It looks like I just need 9/16 deep socket to remove the switch. Am I missing something. Anyway, I'm going to go pull it in a little bit. I will let you all know the outcome.

 

So I pulled the switch and it looked fine, wasn't jammed at all. I visually checked the vaccuum lines and they don't look rusted at all, but I think they go to the top of the transfer case and I cannot see up there to see how those ends look. Am I following them correctly? Would they attach to the top of the transfer case?

 

Yep, there is a switch on top of the transfer case that directs vacuum to the appropriate port. time to pull the connector off the cad, and check to see what vacuum is doing there.

 

Buy or rent a vacuum gauge and follow these directions http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/repair/..._engagment.htm

 

Not meaning to hijack, but how did you "test the switch"? Will it operate the 4x4 light by manually pressing it?

My 4x4 light stopped working after replacing the axle seals, although the 4x4 engages.

Part of me says "keep everything on your truck working". The other part of me says "Who cares about a 4x4 light". So if its easy I'll check it!

 

Yes you can check it that way or with an ohm meter.

 

Very easy to check with two people. I pulled the switch and with the Accesories on (don't know if it would be a problem to have the truck running), have somebody inside the truck to watch the light as you push the ball in and out at the internal end of the switch. Your switch may just be jammed up or you may have a vaccuum leak as well and your 4x4 isn't really worked if the passenger side of the front axle is not engaging.

 

Can you direct me to the vacuum gauge I would need to purchase online?
Also, is it normal for the Vacuum shift motor to spin fairly freely in it's housing?
Thanks for all your help!

 

So I just conducted another test:
With the shifter in two wheel drive, and the passenger tire lifted, the wheel spins freely.
With the shifter in 4H, and the passenger tire lifted, the wheel does not spin.

This leads me to believe that the vacuum lines are working properly.
Advice/Thoughts as to why the 4x4 light remains on under all conditions?