How do you make the bathtub trip lever hold plunger up to drain tub

Is it falling down under its own weight ? Remove upper plate, take pliers and squeeze the "U" shaped clamp that holds the plunger rod closer together.

Hope that helps

Milo

Although you can "fix" that type of drain system, it is far easier to go to HD or Lowe's and get a toe tap replacement cap and overflow cap or a similar Watco unit. Eliminates the issues you are having and also for corroded units. I did one last week, took about 1/2 hr. to remove all the old guts and replace with new. Toe tap is held in place with an O ring and I also used silicone. Overflow cap just screws on, direct replacement.