Wait Glen, he said they are both top shift, and he stated that one was from a 1986 4Runner (which IS top shifting), so I believe the discrepancy is that 2nd generation Top Shift forks (1985-88) are slightly longer and of a different design than 1st generation Top Shift forks (1979-83).
These differences are noted in our
Gear Drive Transfer Case Bible:
Type 1-A,B,C all have a "Short Low Range Shift Rod"
Type 3 has a "Long Low Range Shift Rod"
Also, the 1st gen 2WD/4WD shift rods uses an inner C-clip to retain its movement, whereas the 2nd gen 2WD/4WD shift rods use an external "hook" that protrudes out the front of the reduction housing.
Type 1-A,B,C all have a "C-Clip Retained 2WD/4WD Rod"
Type 3 has a "Hook Retained 2WD/4WD Rod"
Therefore, I believe he is referring to this hook, which would interfere with his 1983 L50/52 transmission. If so, then he needs to either swap out the Type 3 rod for a Type 1 rod, or he may grind it off as long as he does not put excessive pressure forward on the t/case level while in 2WD high range.
BigMike