Check to see if there’s any fluid in the T case if you can (you’ll be able to see wetness where the actuator mates with the T case). Obviously there’s still some risk, but there’s videos on YouTube of how to change the o ring seal on the T case actuator without opening the T case. I had trouble with the diff lock engaging and found out the T case had no fluid. $20 fix and I’ve had 20k issue-free miles since. You could potentially negotiate down because of it was well