trans help please

[hammer]

i got a 1979 terra . i rebuilt the carb, new distributer, pertronix ho 181, flame thrower coil, replaced valve gaskets, new plugs ,new muffler and pipes,and ajusted the steering box . been driven it the past week with no problems , went to go to store got in it and no reverse !!!!!!!!!!!!! where do i start

[mhouston]

How about forward? Does is engage any of the gears? If not, it's likely the front pump in the transmission. It'll have to be pulled and replaced if so.

[scoutboy74]

This is an auto trans, I assume? You should specify. The first step is always to verify the fluid level. Park on level ground. Bring the engine up to operating temp. Move the gear selector lever slowly through the gear positions, then place it in neutral. With the engine idling, get out and pull the dipstick. If the level is below the safe range, add Dexron fluid in small amounts and keep checking until the level is at the top of the safe range.
If the fluid level checks out good and still no reverse, pay particular attention to how the rig takes off in both breakaway 1st gear (selector in drive) and also manual 1st gear (selector in L1). Chances are there is an issue with your low/reverse band and/or the low/reverse apply servo. Determining this will involve removing the fluid pan. You may be able to restore function by adjusting the band tension. It could just be way too loose, but the only way to access the adjuster is with the pan removed. Doing so makes one hell of a red fluid mess everywhere. But, if you don't know or can't remember when this trans was last serviced, it is most likely long overdue for some basic maintenance, including band adjustments, new filter and fresh ATF. The band adjustment procedures are outlined in the Truck Service Manual.

[J.D.Oldham]

The reverse band may have broken. I've broken two myself. There is a beefed up reverse band that I like, but you do have to do a complete tear down to replace. Drop the pan and have look see, there may be a wedge looking thing in the pan.

[dkterra]

I assume your shifter cable has not slipped out of adjustment or having issues?
Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[hammer]

thanks every one . yes its a auto trans . fluid is good shifts fine in drive just no revers. i need to buy service manual