I think this is all referring to the front differential; my understanding is that the rear is always engaged, and that 2 wheel, 4 wheel, and 4 wheel locked is all done in the front differential.
I don't see that piece in the parts diagram, but I understand the resistance to move the slider to the left. Many times, the 4WD locked command is sent, and the indicator will flash, but it takes some rotation of the left and right wheels at different rates to allow everything to line up so that the servo can lock the differential and the indicator shows locked.
Keep one of your front wheels on the ground and jack up the other so that you can rotate it slowly until you are able to move the slider over fully.
Understand that if you are able to do that, and the servo is working properly, this won't answer why you aren't able to go into 4 wheel drive, or lock your differential.