Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) reverse problems on 1997 5 speed

[JDKammin]

A friend of mine is looking at a 1997 3500 4x4 with a 5 speed manual transmission. He took it for a test drive and had problems getting it to go into reverse. I would put it in a forward gear and then try to do into reverse, but no luck. The owner got behind the wheel and had to jamb the stick a couple of times, then it went in. After stopping on a level street, he put the transmission into neutral and it then went right into reverse. This truck is supposed to have a rebuilt transmission and new clutch. The 5th gear nut has spun off and gear slid back, so 5th gear does not work. That should not affect reverse, soooo... ... any ideas before purchasing? Thanks.

 

[hsmith]

Fifth gear coming loose and being run for a while can cause the thrust washer on reverse to wear and overheat. Mine had really been hot at 175k but still worked fine.

 

[Bob V]

Sounds more like a pilot bearing or the clutch not releasing.

 

[Draught]

That's odd just installed rebuilt trans& new clutch put in short shift kit shifts notchey and hard to get into reverse called south bend they said it should loosen up,right now i have less than 100 mi. on it.

 

[HCannon]

Needs to be bought like the transmission is out. Sounds like a rebuild is in order with that much wrong.

 

[JDKammin]

I talked to a transmission shop today and was told that the reverse slider is on the same shaft as 5th gear. Hopefully, a new 5th gear nut and an oil change will fix the problem. Will update on progress, since he got truck traded for today.