Thanks for the responses, particularly California. The front edge (ear?) on the fork has worn such that the fork does not push the gear fully forward into the high range position and it will not stay in high range at all without pressure on the shift lever. With the lever in the high range position, the wear on the fork allows the fork to move forward in the groove on the gear in which the fork rides. I can push the gear forward with my hand such that the fork is positioned properly in that groove. The previous owner had installed a semi permanent metal cable to maintain pressure on the lever to hold it in high range. I am concerned that this "fix" does not fully engage the gears (???) and that, as a result, sooner than later I'll have to replace the gears or gears in addition to the fork. I don't know how long the previous owner had used this "fix." I would appreciate any thoughts you might have on this matter.