TH350 won't shift into drive or reverse

[GWH79]

Good morning everyone,

This is a new issue that just popped up last week. It started with the transmission not shifting into reverse immediately but finally finding it after a couple of tries.

This morning the fun increased with the transmission not only not shifting into reverse or drive but also grinding pretty noisily when I tried to do so.

My first thought is the linkage being loose so I will start with checking that when I get the chance. If that does not fix it, I am going to drop the pan and check for metal shavings in the trans fluid.

If it was still just slipping and not finding the gear, I would be confident it is the linkage but the new addition of the grinding has me concerned it is something larger.

Oh and I just checked the fluid level and it had plenty.

Any and all help/opinions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Toad455]

4x4?

 

[Sad Sack]

Can you get it into neutral?
First a simple test, disconnect a cooler line and start the engine in Neutral. If no fluid comes out, the pump isn’t working. I believe it would be the top line on the radiator...been a while since I have done it.

 

[GWH79]

Yessir

 

[GWH79]

Yep, shifts into neutral and park. I will definitely try that.

 

[Sad Sack]

Careful, use a gallon milk jug, stick line it. A good pump with throw a lot of fluid out quick, have a friend handy to shut down truck. If jug is clean then add back the fluid.

 

[GWH79]

Do you recommend disconnecting the coolant lines from the radiator or the trans itself?

 

[Sad Sack]

Do you recommend disconnecting the coolant lines from the radiator or the trans itself?

Radiator, top one I believe is in-coming to the radiator. Will need to confirm, maybe someone will chime in saying that's right or not. May need a piece of hose over the line to aid in capture into the jug so not much bending of line needed if ya get my drift.

 

[GWH79]

Understood. At least I got my next project for the weekend!

 

[Beast496]

Radiator, top one I believe is in-coming to the radiator. Will need to confirm, maybe someone will chime in saying that's right or not. May need a piece of hose over the line to aid in capture into the jug so not much bending of line needed if ya get my drift.

Bottom port on the radiator should be the inlet from the transmission. I had to rethink my TH400 and TH350 memory bank. lol

 

[idahovette]

Have never heard of a 350 "grinding"? Define "grinding" Transfer case in gear properly?

 

[GWH79]

Yea Transfer case was my first thought too when I heard it but it was fully in gear. I've noticed the shifter (transmission not transfer) has been getting sloppier so I'm hoping the linkage is just loose when I get a chance to check it.