1999-2012 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 4x4 Axle Actuator/Solenoid/Shifter Replacement Video

Step by step instructions on how to replace the front 4x4 actuator on your '99-'12 GM trucks. Product links below!
OEM GM solenoid: amzn.to/2yVPMXA
Aftermarket Dorman solenoid: amzn.to/2yUWM73
Right Stuff gasket maker small tube: amzn.to/2yUuQR4
Right Stuff gasket maker large tube: amzn.to/2isYmal

[@Thunderroad8517]

Will the front actuator stuck cause it not to disengage out of 4 Low? Thanks in advance.

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

I can’t say if it’s for sure the cause, but it’s definitely a possibility.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-nx9jt]

Alright so basically if you have a bad actuator.... your front wheels will not engage and have terrible traction???? I'm near Chicago and it's snowing.... feels like my whole front end is slide and transmission is not shifting? appreciate if someone will help

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

I mean that could be a lot of things, but come to a complete stop and put the truck in 4 hi and see if the light stays solid and actually goes into 4wd. Then give it the gas and see if the front tires spin or just the rears.

[@dannylsx]

when going from 2wd to 4wd the blinking light on the switch takes forever , takes even longer when going from 4wd to 2wd and now i feel like the 4wd isn’t engaging because i feel no resistance when making sharp turns in 4wd. it was just working yesterday too. can it be the acuator? oh ya the truck has 230k miles

[@dannylsx]

and the little noise you hear when going from 4H to 4L sounds very weak and slow, but it makes no noise when i go from 2wd to 4wd

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

@@dannylsx Could be the actuator but it’s also possibly something else electronic. I’d probably start with an actuator and make sure all your fluids are good.

[@jtglenn3]

@@dannylsx what was it I have same issue

[@dannylsx]

@@jtglenn3 it was the 4x4 actuator , its a easy replacement takes 30 mins max

[@ricardomejia232]

Is it the same actuator for a 1500?

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

Sorry I’m not sure. They COULD be the same, but the 1500 likely uses a different front axle, so it’s probably different. You should be able to look it up by year/make/model though on most auto parts store websites.

[@bobwhite9873]

I did all this, and still won't engage.

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

You could have other things going on like bad 4x4 switch or faulty wiring but it’s hard to say without doing some testing

[@ricardoayala5028]

Where did you get that bumper?

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

I'm not sure, it's not actually my truck. But I do know it's an Ali Arc brand. Give them a Google, I'm sure you will find it on their site. But know that they aren't cheap haha.

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

Here's more info. They are about $1600 - www.aliarc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/chevy-en.pdf

[@ricardoayala5028]

Thank you very much sir

[@craigstephens8845]

Holy silicone

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

I don’t mess around 💪🏻

[@todds5956]

I had gear oil in the plug and it's not out yet but it wobbles right in the middle like it's broken internally

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

The electrical connector? Or the actuator itself?

[@todds5956]

@@TonyTheTruckGuy the acuator itself . I have battery power to it. 2wd light is on steady and 4wd light flashing. Doesn't change no matter what you push thanks

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

Yeah something doesn’t sound right and if you have gear oil coming out of the plug, the actuator is shot anyways. I would try to remove it to get a better idea of what is going on in there and put a new one in.

[@todds5956]

@@TonyTheTruckGuy I see why it was wobbling around it was nearly broke off. I turned it about a 1/4turn and it broke off flush. So threaded part is still in the diff. This don't look fun

[@TonyTheTruckGuy]

Oh boy. I’m not sure if you’ll be able to get an easy-out that big. You may need to use a hammer and chisel to break it out in chunks unless you can use a pick or screwdriver to spin the remaining portion out. But if yours comes out as hard as mine, that’s gonna be tough.