The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop slips out of reverse

Truck slips out of reverse so bad I have to hold shift lever when backing up so it wont slip into drive. I disconnected the rods engine side of firewall and the slightest touch makes the gears slip so the problem must be in the tranny. I hope it's not a serious problem because I know nothing about trannies and it's not like you can take it apart and figure it out. Anyone know what might be the problem and what needs to be done to correct it.
All advice is appreciated.

redtruck65MA,
I assume you are talking about a side shifted trans,saginaw 3spd,65-73 ? If so are you sure the rear reverse lever is engauging all the way to the detent stop? If you have removed the levers and manually engauged and it still pops out you will have to remove the cover and forks.You could have a shift fork that is worn to the point it will not move the syncronizer all the way into gear or the gear is worn.You can remove the cover realitivly easy.Drain the fluid and put both levers into neutral.Unbolt the side cover and remove the cover and forks as one assembly.If you don't feel comfortable removing then someone with transmission experience may be in order.Good luck

61 suburban, I have a three speed on the column--a 350 turbo. If I had a good place to work on it I would tackle the trans. but I think I'll have to leave this one to a professional.

redtruck65ma,
If you where a little closer to Indiana I would be more than happy to lend a hand.I like the part about the 61 Suburban .I think we are alone in the Stovebolt world.Any idea on how many 61 Burbs are out there?

Hey suburban, I dont have a suburban--was just using your forum name. But there are not many left -- havnt seen one in a long time. You have helped from a distance--now I can sound like I know what I'm talking about when I take it to be checked out.