96 Tacoma transfer case

I bought a truck not running the transfer case shifter bolts were loose. It was in 2 hi I messed up took the shifter out but Im doing something wrong. I put it back in and can’t get it to select different ranges. What should the shifting forks look like in 2 hi or any other gear or whats the trick???? Thanks

 

Sounds like you missed the alignment hole . Pop the shifter back out and align the notches
There should be some pictures lower in this thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-transfer-cases-in-first-and-2nd-gen-trucks.345652/

 

I must be blind I didn’t see anything with just the top off showing where The forks need to be for 2 hi????!!

 

With the shifter removed and the truck turned off , you should be able to use a flat screwdriver and manipulate the shift forks back and forth .Do the shift forks move with the engine turned off ?
In most cases , when re-installing the shifter , the transfer case needs to be in the neutral position .

 

Also need to know what size engine you have and what year your truck is
There were two different transfer cases used between 1995 and 2004 .One was the R100 and the other was the VF3AM .Both are aluminum case and chain driven transfer cases
I am trying to get you some pictures of what the forks should look like before you install the shifter
Can you pop a picture and post it ? I could tell you what to do if I knew what kind of bind you are in

 

The engine and transmission/ transfer case are removed. 3.4L . I will post a picture for you in the morning.

 

This is the current position it’s in.

 

Hey sorry bout that . I was tied up all day yesterday .How did you make out ?
The shifter assembly needs to fit into that tiny square towards the front of the transfer case .
Were you able to use a flat screwdriver and run the transfer case through the gears by hand ?
If the transfer case is bolted to a manual trans ?, you can put the manual transmission in first gear and turn the input shaft of the transmission using your hand . Then , with the flat screwdriver , you can stroke those forks and you should find 2 hi / 4 hi , neutral and 4 low . As I mentioned above , when you find neutral , place the shifter back into that small square .
You can test the shifter to see if you have all the gears once the shifter is bolted down with 2 bolts
Are you sure the transfer case was functioning ok before it was removed ?
Sometimes those forks get stuck between 2 gears and you have to crank on them pretty hard to get the case back into neutral
They are very easy to take apart , clean up , re-seal and put back together .
Its not uncommon to find an aluminum fork with a bunch of wear . When the forks wear , you get 2 gears at the same time

 

I haven’t attempted to do anything yet the transfer case is still hooked to the transmission its an automatic. So I understand once I find neutral place the shifter back in?? Also I should be able to turn the transfer case while the auto transmission is still in gear also right? once I find neutral and attempt to turn the transfer case I should know its there?? Transfer case is supposed to be good bought this truck not running. I also appreciate your help.

 

Update: Your advice worked thanks again.