what else might this be called. I need to replace mine, but apparently there were nobody but idiots at the parts store tonight. Any ideas? Even the Haynes manual calls it Vacuum Shift Actuator...

 

What makes you think you need to replace it?

 

actuator or shift motor.
http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/4X4/4x4_engagment.htm

rockauto and others have them. not sure about autozone or advance. they should, its a common part.

often times the old one just needs to be cleaned up and the rust shaft unstuck,

 

the actuator/shift motor is leaking is why i'm replacing it.

 

Leaking what? Gear oil or vacuum ? I think you are being a little vague. Let us know the problem in it's entirety. This way we can help better, and if someone does a search and come's across this thread, they will know whether or not they have the same problem. And pics are always a plus.

 

its leaking gear oil

 

If the actuator still works, just replace the o-ring seals. The actuators are like 90 bucks plus... O-rings are dirt cheap.

 

Is the gear oil coming from inbetween the axle and housing or is it dripping from the circular diaphram? If its the first then your cad gasket is leaking and those only cost a couple bucks, if its the second then your o-rings are probably dry rotting and those are like 5 for $.25

 

Yeah I think one of the qualifications are to be completely ignorant of all motor vehicles, I was once told by a kid at autozone that the transfer case actuator didnt exist cause he couldnt find it in the computer.

So I went next door to napa and had the part installed an hour later!

 

its coming from the circular diaphram