4wheel drive engagment

92, 4.0 AW4, 242.
seems like my 4 wheel drive was not engaged today even when i tried full time and part time, the rear seemed to be doing a lot of the work...there was like 3 to 4 inches of really sloppy snow/slush to push through...

prior to this snow storm my jeep had almost always made a slight ticking sound in 4wd (in 2wd it was very faint)
not the u joints i have changed those and the same noise.
not the hubs/unit bearings, i have changed those.
i do not have a vacuum disconnect.

so seems like maybe chain slipping? but it has always made that noise, maybe something like a pinion bearing, and it really was just the slush piles slowing me down?

what is the best way to tell if my 4wd is working properly and in full capacity?

The first thing I would do is to check/adjust the shift linkage on the transfer case.

T-case low on fluid?
I guess have someone outside looking at your vehicle. In 2wd floor it, check to make sure only rear spins. Then put in 4 and see if the fronts spin as well.

Remove rear drive shaft(put blocks on both front and rear of the front tires when doing this) an then put into 4 wheel and drive.This will tell if the case is working. Try this in 4 high not 4 low

went to a snowy parking lot, in 4x4 was able to turn and move fine...in 2wd could barely get going, so i think it is shifting fine, but i still doubt it is getting full power to the front, if the chain is slipping in 4wd would this make noise or not necessarily? seemed like when i needed it and was applying extra throttle the front wasnt giving me any help...

If it is slipping in 4 wheel you would hear it.You in 4 full time or part time? Not low but HI.

part time. was not getting any noises so i doubt its slipping.
i will check the fluid int he case too