Hi,

My 73 4-speed is very hard to shift into reverse. The PO was just living with it, he said the trans had recently been rebuilt but to get into reverse you have to really strong-arm jiggle it back and forth before it finally *KACLUNK!S* into gear.

Can anyone tell me where to start looking for the cause?

I took the ball off the top, and pulled out the spring and the rod that was down the middle (thinking the rod was bound up somehow and not clearing the "stop" when the trigger was pulled up), and shot a little lube down there. It worked perfectly for about ten minutes then wen right back to the trouble. Any time I get it in gear, it goes right in like butter a few more times. Park the car and the problem returns.

 

you need to check the shifter alignment,
(there is an alignment procedure and tool)
drop the linkage and check for binding from the shifter,
and make sure the transmission can shift into reverse
with linkage diss-connected.

make sure your clutch is not dragging,
(continuing to rotate the transmission with clutch in.)
good Luck...69VETT

 

adjust the linkage.

 

Does it shift easier when the engine isnt running?

 

This problem is the same running or not.

 

As stated above linkage first then move inside trans.
Below is the tool you need to adjust the linkage.

 

I have a richmond 6 speed in my 82, and I have a similar problem, but if i put it in first it will set the synchronizers for when you put it in reverse. worth a shot

 

The most likely thing is the linkage as stated. There's a tip that sticks down and when you move the shifter to the left for reverse, that tip should slide through an opening to engage the reverse lever. If it's not adjusted correctly it hits against the edge of the slot for the 1st/2nd gear lever. If you lengthen the reverse rod linkage slightly by turning the adjusting nut and the problem gets better, you're going the right way. If it gets harder to go into reverse, go the other way. Because the tool is so hard to get up into the slot, I find it's easier to get someone to sit in the car, clutch in, reverse lever pulled up, and just slide the shifter left and right, feeling for the slot as I'm under the car adjusting the rod. It's probably only off by a fraction. Also if there is play in the rods because of worn connections or if the tip I'm describing that sticks down is bent, you will get the same thing you're seeing. If it were my car, I'd try what I said about turning the reverse rod slightly longer or shorter and see if it gets better or worse. When it's adjusted properly, you can feel the shifter go through the slots from reverse all the way to 3rd/4th without even moving the shifter into the gears, just leaving it in neutral and moving left and right. Post what you find.