85 Ram 4x4 No reverse

[9815004x4]

Hey guys, I just picked up an 85 Ram 4x4 auto. tonight that has a couple small problems. One of them being that it has no reverse.. it's not like it is slipping in reverse, more like there is no spot on the gear selector. On the column, what seems to be park is at the top, followed by drive, then nothing, backup lights come on, and drive again. Also when the truck is shut off, to pull the kes out I have to hold the gear selector all the way up with one hand and remove the key with the other. Now my main question is, are there any adjustments to fix this, do I need a new column, or am I s.o.l?

[Chump]

I woluld start by checking the shift linkage from the bottom of the steering column to the tranny. There are plastic bushings that like to break, You can also disconnect the likage at the tranny and test the selector on the tranny manually...BE SURE TO BLOCK THE WHEELS :)

[9815004x4]

Thanks, I was trying to get an idea before I tore into it in the morning looks like that diagram may come in very handy.

[Chump]

Diagram is 70's vintage but is almost the same from the 70's thru the 90's. If we need to get more specific we can. :)

[9815004x4]

well I messed with it all day today, and I thnk I got the shifter somewhat adjusted, I no longer have to hold the lever up to remove the key. However, as you run through the gears, it is now Park-what seems to be another park?-drive-drive-2-1. I still have no reverse or neutral gears.

[Speed Dragon]

Sounds like the trans is bad, usually if a Dodge has no reverse, it gone/going. There is a way you can eliminate the linkage as the problem, but you must be VERY VERY CAREFUL not to run yourself over :)

Unhook the linkage at the trans, and move the shift lever at the trans all the way forward. This is the Park position. Then jack the rear of the truck up and set it on stands so the rear wheels can't touch the ground. Then start the truck, set the brake, and crawl underneath and pull the lever back one notch. That will be Reverse position. If it goes into gear, you have faulty linkage. If not the trans is bad.

[acton mike]

to prevent running over yourself when checking the linkage you could put the vehicle on jack stands

[sgillett]

It sounds like the forward clutch is locked up to me.
I purchased a 69 Sport Satellite for cheap because it did the same thing.

[9815004x4]

I had dumped some seafoam transtune in it this morning and now it is working just fine. Is it possible that it was just gummed up?

[B-300]

If the forward clutch seizes (metal to metal, clutches plates worn) the symptoms described of no rev and no neutal will occur.