Center diff lock actuator replacement

[quattro2@ix.netcom.com]

I had a similar problem on my 87 4KCSQ. The plastic actuator was toasted (a leaking battery had 
eaten a hole in it...) The hardest part of replacing it is getting to the darn thing. I ended up 
removing the battery and modifying the battery tray (cutting it) so I could get at the actuator. 
It's on the passenger side of the tranny, below the battery, near the firewall. Be careful not to 
break the plastic connector that connects the actuator to the linkage rod. It gets pretty toasted 
from the heat. (Don't ask how I know this....)

I think the replacement actuator was available from the dealer for about $120 (doh!) or you could 
go fishing at the local wrecking yard. I ended up replacing mine with a custom vaccum unit from an 
industrial supply catalog (Graingers)It's made out of stainless steel (cost about $25) so it 
should last a bit longer, works like a dream. 

Good luck!

Bill