How can I tell if my system is operating successfully? In snow, if I stomp on the gas, the front tires spin, but not the back. It is like a front wheel drive car. Is this normal or do I have an issue with the power not getting to the rear wheels?

Also, I tried to check the fluid in my transfer case, but I cannot seem to get the plug out. I am afraid to put too much stress on the aluminum housing and have the plug and everything around it break out. Does anyone have any tips on getting the plug out?

 

Firstly, it is in 4x4 mode all the time, the only way it could be in 2wd mode is if either the prop shafts are disconnected from the transfer box or the half shafts are broken. (if broken you would hear a lot of noise and not go anywhere... )

The front wheels spin while the rear do not move because all the power is going through the front wheels, the only way to stop that is to use the diff lock, this then locks the front and rear axles.

The transfer case I do not think is aluminium, at least on my 90 it is a big cast iron block, are you looking at the right place for the fluid level plug. It should be located on the right hand side of the vehicle, about half way up the small block with the two propshafts connected.

 

Lighting is correct on the 4x4 info. The transfer boxes in the States are aluminum. The fill plug is A 1/2 " square. The drain plug is either the same or A 17 mm head bolt.

You won't break anything, just lean into it A bit.