the three on the tree on my 1950 dodge business coupe will not shift into reverse...........the manual I have is pretty gray........any help would be great.thanks all...
Does it feel like the shifter is sloppy? Have you tried adjusting the shifter linkage on the bottom of the steering column?
I'd start by disconnecting the linkage at the trans to see if you can shift the fork into reverse after eliminating the linkage. That way you can determine if the problem is inside the trans or outside in the linkage up on the column. I'd suspect it's inside the trans since it shifts into first gear OK but it's pretty easy to find out where the problem lies so you know where to look.
Usually this means shift linkage worn or out of adjustment. Check the ends of the shifter rods, some had rubber bushings that wear and fall out. If the linkage is working correctly you can adjust it. There are 2 adjustments. Gear shifter control rod- This is the upper rod, the one that goes to a bellcrank. 1) Loosen stud nut on the upper lever at the lower end of the steering column 2) Maker certain that transmission gears are in neutral position and that gearshift lever is set at a horizontal position, then tighten lock nut. Gear selector rod- 1) Make certain gears in trans are in neutral. 2)Loosen lock nut on selector rod at bottom of steering column, then tighten nut until all play is removed from rod, and back off 1/2 turn for clearance. 3) Tighten lock nut.
After you've done all the excellent advice above, improve any place you have a 90degree rod bend into a 1/8" metal pivot point with these... http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part_family.php?id=1 called rod ends or heim joints. That's bound to help some of the slop from these 60 or 70 year old pivot points. JMHO, Cosmo.
Like tommy said. Isolate the problem first. it doesn't sound like linkage. on the select shift trans, the same rod that moves 2-3 also moves 1-R. the other lever switches between the two above and yet you get first with no problem the able to go to 2-3. makes it seem internal to me.
thanks all I will be under the car tonight.......the shifter is a little sloppy but it went into reverse before.....which lever on the trans is reverse..............
It would be a huge help if you had some one in the car putting it through the gears while you where under it. You would see how all the linkage works and you should be able to spot the problem pretty quick.
Before you do any of those things, spray all the moving parts of the shifter linkage with WD-40 or equivalent. Pay particular attention to the bottom of the shaft on top of the steering column ***embly; it's under the hood, where the big spring is. If the shaft doesn't move up and down freely (as well as from side to side) it won't shift into reverse. This is a common problem with Mopars of that era. I have experienced with mine, too (and I now have seven).
The most common problem causing shift problems on virtually all column shift early Mopars is bad shift lever bushings. A replacement hard bushing was available evn in those days to replace the often squishy worthless rubber bushings used in stock applications. Most Mopar parts vendors have these bushings in stock. A simple replacement and adjustment of linkage and you're good to go for years of Happy Motoring!
well finially got someone in the car to shift while i was under the car...............got the linkage adjusted and still have nothing but forward gears........thinking the ****** may have taken a ****......any ideas???????
drain the oil and look for some chunks? My falcon the shift lever was out of adjustment. i couldn't get into first and then it got stuck in 1st! a real surprise when i tried to tag second gear
will do.....now i have a complete engine and trans out a 1950 plymouth....looks like the ****** is the same....does ayone know if it is????
How much metal and does it stick to a magnet, if it's alot and sticks to a magnet plan on swapping out the trans, a little bit of br*** is ok but not all that great just worn syncros. Make sure the shift levers arn't loose on the transmission .
there is alot of little metal pieces......the reverse lever is not sliding the gear back and forth...........
well got the ****** out and on her side............there is nothing tore up inside......some tiny tiny br*** shaveings ..this is what i found............the reverse selector inside the trans set screw was about to fall out.............the spring for the reverse rod was bent......gonna replace and reinstall the ******......
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