electric 4x4 clicks

[036speed]

i just got a 03 F-250 with the 7.3L. its a xlt 6speed manual with the fx4 package with 90k miles. its got the turn knob 4x4 which i thought i would like compared to the level 4x4 i had in my '95 460ci.
i drove 9 hrs to get the truck and i tested the 4x4 b4 i got it. but now when i turn it into 4x4 hi or lo it ticks when i go over 10mph or when i put normal torque on it. the guy said he rarly used it. it goes into 4x4 but makes a lot of clicking sounds like its not engaged all the way. i have gotten it to engage all the way twice now. thats it. i have been playing with it for a few hrs now rollin it back and forth. but no luck. i have also taken the whole asembly and cleaned it out. its still not engageing right. what do you guys suggest i do? would getting a new motor help? i am trying to avoid that. maybe it will start working over time? should i just keep playin with it?

[intern8tion9l]

i dunno about these trucks, but i had 99 ranger with the electric 4x4(which i will never go back to by the way), and the transfer case motors were notorious for failing. buying a new motor could usually be avoided by taking the motor off the case, taking it apart, and cleaning it all out. there gets to be some decent carbon buildup on some of the contacts. in addition, it is good to cycle it in and out of 4x4 ever now and then to keep things freed up.