Front hubs will not engage, what could be the issue. fuse is good, transfer case works fine, just cant get hubs to engage.

There is an actuator motor located on the transfer case. It selects range; hi neutral and lo and engages the front differential. There is a second clutch actuator motor on the front differential that engages the front wheel hubs.

You will need to disconnect both motors to eliminate electronics. It could also be you have an abraided wire to either the transfer case or the front differential. If unplugging both actuators doesnt stop fuse blow, you will need to test for signal or power to ground shorts.

Free (with ads) schematics are available using the "carmin std" app.

check to see if you have automatic hub locking. These units can be vacuum or electric operated and are prone to failure of the system

Someone will have to go under and check the linkage is working when the 4 wheel drive is fully engaged and not just moved to a neutral position.

You have a Vacuum Leak that is not allowing the Front Hubs to engage... I do believe that 1996 Dodge has Vacuum hubs on the Differential

there may be a vacuum line that engages the hubs, that has came off, it has happened to me before, get under it and look for a loose vacuum line near the transfer case

you need new hubs in the front

if you have access to a lift put somone in it sent it up
start it up put in 4wd low and check to se if the
output shaft is turning from the transfer case to the
front difirential if it's not turning odd's are transfer case problem if it is turning listen each front hub for
grinding noise if there is check the offending hub
by the way if you can't use a lift find some level paved
ground and use 4 STURDY jack stands to do tests
hope this helps any other ? just ask. good luck

i'm assuming you have a 4 wheel drive. If that is the case then yes cause when your in two wheel drive mode the front is in neutral

Front hubs need to be taken off and inspected for damage,
Replace as necessary.

I had this happen to mine, and it was a cracked vacuum line going from the transfer case to the hub. Took 48 cents and 15 minutes to fix.