Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) '95 47RH won't manually shift into first gear

[foxt]

I have a '95 2500 4x4 with 170K miles. I just had to replace the transmission cooler lines. The push-connectors were actually fine, but the lines wore a hole in themselves so I replaced most of them. I got lucky - noticed the leak before it got too bad.

After I replaced the lines, I put the transmission through it's paces just to make sure that everything was ok. Indeed everything seems to be ok, no leaks, except I've noticed that I can not manually shift into first gear. When it's in "D", the transmission shifts up and down into first on it's own just fine. I just can't manually drop it down to "1". No problems with reverse.

Now I have to admit, I can not recall the last time I tried this, so for all I know it's been this way for a while (not related to the leaking cooler lines, and as I said, my fluid levels never got too low due to the leak).

I should drop the pan, etc. But I'm wondering if I'm missing something obvious? Truck is new to me since about 140K miles, and the only problem I've had with the transmission has been the leaking cooling lines. I've done some moderate towing, hauled some heavy loads, and some plowing, but I have to say that I've had no complaints about the transmission. But I take it that this problem with first gear is not a good sign, so I want to get to the bottom of it ...

 

[foxt]

Nevermind. I discovered that the fitting I used to replace the push-in connector at the transmission is just long enough to interfere with the linkage when moving down to first. Thought I had checked that, but I must have looked at it sideways or something. Carry on ...

 

[champspa]

good find , sometimes that's the way it works , the last thing done could be the problem.