Trouble shifting A-833 into reverse

[vegiguy]

I installed a used A-833 I got for the 4-speed conversion for my '73 Road Runner and reverse gear is VERY stiff. The pistol grip shifter I got for it doesn't have enough mechanical advantage to shift it into reverse so I disconnected the linkage rod and am able to shift it in and out of reverse with a LONG open end wrench, but it still takes considerable effort. I've been working it back and forth for a while now with the wrench (with fresh oil in the transmission) and it is still very difficult to shift this way. (I haven't tried it again with the shifter since I don't want to screw up the reproduction linkage I got for it which doesn't seem to be made out of very good steel.) There is a slight squeaking noise when I do this indicating a lot of friction taking place. The rest of the gears shift okay.

I'm wondering if someone else has had this problem and can tell me if it will get better with more use, or whether I have something major going on inside the gearbox that I'm going to have to take the side cover off (which I'm trying to avoid doing) to ferret out. What I'm thinking is since this transmission is used - and no doubt sat around for a while - whether there isn't a bunch of sludge at the bottom of it there where reverse gear is that is preventing any fresh oil from getting in and providing any kind of meaningful lubrication necessary to get things working right again. Either that or something is broken or assembled wrong.

Thanks for and help.

 

[NJRR]

you installed a used transmission in a conversion that was not rebuilt or at least gone through? sounds like an inspection is the first place to start.

 

[SlinktRR]

Maybe it's a crash box? No synchros and double clutch downshifts. Take a picture of the insides.

 

[khryslerkid]

Here's some tips. The shifter must be properly adjusted to have a good reverse engagement.

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interi...nstall-a-hurst-shifter-linkage-to-your-mopar/

 

[vegiguy]

Here's some tips. The shifter must be properly adjusted to have a good reverse engagement.

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/interi...nstall-a-hurst-shifter-linkage-to-your-mopar/

I know how to install and adjust a shifter - I've done this many times before.

I've never had any trouble with used manual transmissions that I bought as good tranmissions. I bought this A-833 a long time ago, but I'm sure I looked inside it before I paid for it because I always do when I buy a used transmission.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Think it is time to pull the cover plate? Nothing slide on the cluster shaft.

 

[Dennis H]

Did you try the basic stuff? Put in any gear first. Neutral double clutch. Every time I hear one clang into reverse, I know it was not put into any forward gear prior to the reverse move.

 

[TxDon]

Is the clutch adjustment /freeplay correct? My car had an issue with that when I first got it and selecting reverse was a problem.

 

[dpstark2]

I have encountered a similar issue. It was due to the 1/2 shift arm and reverse arm interaction. They mesh internally to lock out reverse in 1/2. Try loosening the cover and seeing if it will shift into reverse easier. If it does, tighten the cover with it in reverse and repeat the test. In some manuals, there is an explanation of this procedure, but as far as I know, only on early transmissions.

Probably not your issue, but worth a try.

 

[vegiguy]

I have encountered a similar issue. It was due to the 1/2 shift arm and reverse arm interaction. They mesh internally to lock out reverse in 1/2. Try loosening the cover and seeing if it will shift into reverse easier. If it does, tighten the cover with it in reverse and repeat the test. In some manuals, there is an explanation of this procedure, but as far as I know, only on early transmissions.

Probably not your issue, but worth a try.

Thanks. That's very helpful. I'll give it a try tonight.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Do not believe there is an internal reverse lock on this trans. It can literally be put in any forward gear and reverse at the same time. That is the reason for the lockout on the shifter.It is not that hard to pull the cover to check out the problem. If the lever moves freely with the cover removed there is a shift rail to gear problem.

 

[vegiguy]

I have encountered a similar issue. It was due to the 1/2 shift arm and reverse arm interaction. They mesh internally to lock out reverse in 1/2. Try loosening the cover and seeing if it will shift into reverse easier. If it does, tighten the cover with it in reverse and repeat the test. In some manuals, there is an explanation of this procedure, but as far as I know, only on early transmissions.

Probably not your issue, but worth a try.

This solved the problem. Now it shifts fine into reverse. Thanks again.

 

[dpstark2]

Glad it helped. Not sure if all of these have this lock out or not, but certainly the 66-70 models I've worked with have it.

 

[Meep-Meep]

Do not believe there is an internal reverse lock on this trans. It can literally be put in any forward gear and reverse at the same time. That is the reason for the lockout on the shifter.It is not that hard to pull the cover to check out the problem. If the lever moves freely with the cover removed there is a shift rail to gear problem.

This is incorrect. The ball detent mechanism is clever and I suggest you take a closer look at it. The reverse lockout on the shifter is to prevent going into reverse from the neutral position while the car is moving.