I've got an 87 4runner and both of the doors will only lock from the outside or from the inside but when the doors are shut. If you lock them when getting out of the car and you shut the door as soon as you shut it it unlocks itself? Any ideas on fixing this?

 

re grease all the moving parts inside the door

heres a link that has the break down of a door
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...echanical.html

 

I'm pretty sure you have to hold the handle up to keep it locked when you shut it, sort of a safety thing from these year vehicles.

 

Old-skool automotive lock technology was set up so you had to make a congnitive move to lock yourself out of your car, hold the handle out while closing. Also, you'll notice that if you only half-close the door, when you push it all the way in, it will unlock itself for you.
When electronics took over safety features and convenience features, this handle technique went away...
I bet you have never put a needle down on a record have you? LOL (referring to generational technological advances)