No real reason to mess with the CDL engagement now, since you found the issue. There isn't any way for your CDL to become engaged on its own, while doing what you were doing (pulling someone out of the snow). It has to be done manually. Just replace your front shaft entirely, with greaseable version...and you should be good to go.

​​​​​​​ Brian.

 

thanks Brian, and everyone for their guidance!