Dana 20 4lo kicks out

[samg]

I am the proud owner of a 79 cj7. My transfer case will not stay in 4lo. All gears engage and work, but 4lo kicks out in a short distance of driving. I have the case opened up and see no problems or abnormal wear. I have a twin stick on it and it does not matter if in 4wd or 2wd, still the same. If i hold the stick it will stay engaged. The poppet spring and ball are in good shape and the output shaft looks good, so whats wrong? i appreciate any and all info. Thanks, Sam

 

[LGR]

Check the detent balls and springs, might be worn out.

 

[samg]

Check the detent balls and springs, might be worn out.

The detent balls and springs were removed in order to install the twin stick. I am lead to beleive that the problem is between the poppet ball and the output shaft or something is missing?

 

[samg]

The detent balls and springs were removed in order to install the twin stick. I am lead to beleive that the problem is between the poppet ball and the output shaft or something is missing?

There are two bolt holes on top of the housing which is how you intstall or remove the poppet balls and springs. Mine for some reason were filled with some sort of liquid metal that i had to drill out. The output shafts have flat spots or notches on them that line up with the bolt holes when in a gear but not in neutral. I am wondering if that is where something is missing between the shafts and the bolts, another spring or roller of some sort? I have a manual but it does not illustrate the bolts or anything else for that matter. Still appreciate any and all info. Thanks, Sam