Won't shift to 4WD

Alright, I have a 2000 tacoma TRD 4 x 4 with the e locker and the 3.4 liter v6 automatic tranny etc...
The manual shifter on the transfer case has been giving me some hell recently, I can't physically pull it back into 4WD. Any thoughts/ suggestions? Thanks guys.

 

Were you able to shift it reliably before your 3" lift?

 

I bought it with the lift- never been an issue.

 

It has a manual shifter for 4x4? You can take the boots off around it and pull it out of the transfer case to see what's tripping it out.
When I had mine out, I had trouble reinstalling it because there is like a plastic nob on the end of the shifter that makes those forks move. It was difficult to get it lined up right

 

So do I disconnect the Transmission linkange and dig down in there?? Should I unbolt the cover or just try and yank it out? Thanks

 

This is where you can take your shift lever out. I don't know if it's the exact same on automatic tacomas but I would think.
There are 4 bolts (10 or 12mm) holding it down. There is a gasket between there and the square spring in the second photo.
Check and see if it's in the proper place. It's supposed to be holding onto the bottom side of the lever. I believe this is a "return spring"

 

Alright perfect. Once you're down there how do you take out the shifter?

 

Subbed. I just ordered a new oil slinger gasket for the 4WD shift base since mine is seeping a bit... though nowhere near as messy as in the photo. Nice to see what kind of trouble I'll be getting into when I open it up.

 

Same here
Hoping for an answer here- Moab is calling and need a fix ASAP

 

Have you tried to select 4x4 while in park rather than neutral or vice versa ? Got any oil in the transfer case ?
How much free play is in your shifter ? does it flop around ? The bushings are very common for wear .
Any issue going into 4 low ?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transfer-case-transfer-cases-in-first-and-2nd-gen-trucks.345652/

 

Not a lot of play in the shifter- checking oil in the morning but the shifter is stuck in 2WD- impossible to move. Thanks for your help

 

You can seal the shifter with rtv.

 

Ok, but how do I get it out? Thanks

 

Any oil in the transfer case ? The 2 wheel drive to 4x4 hub uses a synchronizer to get you into 4x4 . Synchros need oil in order to function properly .
That would be my first check before pulling the shifter

 

Thank you- will do. Gotta finish welding my frame first

 

Take off the plastic trim, unbolt the metal and rubber bezel underneath it, undo the bolts holding the shifter to the transfer case and yank'r out. Check the oil in the xfer case first like was mentioned.

 

Changed the oil and that didn't fix it so I just dug into the linkage.
It looks like this:

Any suggestions on how to get to back to how it should look? Am I hosed? Thanks.

 

Use a large flat screwdriver to see if you can get it back into the neutral position . Looks like the detents are messed up .
Go to my transfer case page and identify your transfer case . From there you can find an exploded view of your transfer case . Locate the detent balls and springs , remove the detents , then place the shifter back where it belongs . Then put the detent balls and springs back . I am willing to bet you have more issues within the transfer case

 

Do I need to drop the transfer case to do this...?

 

Not just yet .
Try prying the linkage back into the neutral position first .