Topic: New R151F Won't Shift into 5th or Reverse

[timeforit]

I read here often, and have for many years, but never have posted.

I have an '85 pickup that began life as an automatic; I installed a Marlin built R151F this weekend, and find it won't shift into 5th or reverse.  It has been almost 10 years since I had the tranny built; it has sat in its' packing for that long as projects came and went, but yesterday I pulled the old failing automatic out and swapped in the Manual. 

My presumption is that Marlin built it correctly, so my question is what are the possibilities?  All the clutch components are new.  The tranny shifts very smoothly from first through 4th gear, but won't go into 5th or reverse.  I tried driving it a while to get it warm and loosen things a little.  My presumption is that something is stuck inside the tranny, possibly from sitting, but it has been sealed in side a few bags in a box in a climate-controlled environment. 

Have any of you had this issue, or do any of you know what is the matter?

Thanks in advance>

[81 shortbed]

It's not something simple like the hole in the floor isn't big enough to let the shifter lean over far enough?

[timeforit [OP]]

It wish it were.  The truck is unlifted [yet] and the bushing and seat are new.  The shifter is old, but not worn, and there seems to be nothing inhibiting motion associated with the shifter.  I have not pulled the shifter mounting plate off the top of the tranny yet to see what I can see, as I am no expert on transmissions, and it is glued down with the grey stuff.

[Cheesemaker]

I would give them a call would be the best idea. 

[timeforit [OP]]

I phoned Marlin this morning and spoke with Mitchell who spoke with their transmission guy; best call I have made in a month!  For the record, he had me remove the detent spring plug on the driver side to loosen things up, on the theory that it stuck or rusted as long as I have had it stored.  I sprayed in a little liquid wrench in and gently bounced the shifter in the direction it needed to go.  Bingo!  I now have reverse and 5th!  Thanks Marlin Crawler!

[84_yota_4wd]

Glad to hear it worked out for ya.

Btw this is Mitchell, Hope you get years of good use out of this trans