CO_Cummins

I have a 92 Toyota Pickup 3.0 4wd with a manual transmission and the problem that i have is that when pull the lever down to engage into four wheel drive it won't stay engaged and the lever pops back out into the 2wd position. The previous owner had to have a locking ring system to the floor inside to the cab that held the lever in 4wd just to drive it that way. What happens is that i can put it in 4 hi and drive normal but once i push in the clutch to shift the lever pops out of 4hi and back into 2wd. Anyone have any ideas or something that can help me. Thank you

Punchy

You may have to pull the boots, The stick and pivot to see whats up.
There is a little wire spring/retainer that might be damaged, Also the stick pivot pins might be damaged.

CO_Cummins

It has a 2in body lift and a 1in suspension lift on it also… Would that cause the problem?

Cyberman

Couple things to check:

1. Verify that the body lift allows the shifter to engage 4 hi, without hitting the floor.
2. Check the shifter seat, might need replacing.
3. Check to make sure the detent ball and spring are in good shape. There is an allen screw near the top of the transfer case. Behind this screw should be a spring and a ball. Just make sure you don't lose either.

YotaWoRx

I bet the shifter is hitting the body because of the body lift. If so, remove and bend the lever so it clears the body