The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I have the 833 4 speed tranny in my car. It always was difficult to get in into reverse, now it's near impossible.
The problem I'm having is it won't go into the reverse. Their's not anything wrong with the tranny itself. I've narrowed it down to 2 things, the reverse linkage, or the shifter assembly. The reverse linkage is about an .5 inch away from the exhaust pipe, and I've noticed sometimes it will hit when I try to put it into reverse. I wouldn't think the linkage should move from side to side, so I'm not sure that is the problem either.

Has anyone ever had the shifter assembly rebuild? I've seen that brewers performance rebuild's them, but I don't want to have to sent it off for a couple of months. I haven't taken the shifter asseemly off yet, but that I think is my next step.

Anyhelp or suggestions would be appericated.

Jeremy

Have you checked the adjustment using a 1/4" dowel pin at the base of the linkage mechanism?

Basically, disconnect all of the shifting arm plates from the trans, slide a 1/4' rod or drill in the slot at the base (under the shifter), then adjust each shift rod so it easily fits back on the transmission.

Make sure each gear selector (1-2, 3-4 & rev.) are sitting in the neutral detent prior to adjusting though.

I know the linkages take some setting up to get right. I read a "How To" about it once years ago. Don't think there is any chance i will be able to find it amongst all the piles of books in the loft though.

JDB840 wrote:I have the 833 4 speed tranny in my car. It always was difficult to get in into reverse, now it's near impossible.
The problem I'm having is it won't go into the reverse. Their's not anything wrong with the tranny itself. I've narrowed it down to 2 things, the reverse linkage, or the shifter assembly. The reverse linkage is about an .5 inch away from the exhaust pipe, and I've noticed sometimes it will hit when I try to put it into reverse. I wouldn't think the linkage should move from side to side, so I'm not sure that is the problem either.

Has anyone ever had the shifter assembly rebuild? I've seen that brewers performance rebuild's them, but I don't want to have to sent it off for a couple of months. I haven't taken the shifter asseemly off yet, but that I think is my next step.

Anyhelp or suggestions would be appericated.

Jeremy

Side to side shouldn't be a problem.
I could not get into reverse when I got my car because the reverse rod would meet the H-pipe halfway through, but that's not your case. If the rod can move freely front to back, it works.

When you say it won't go into reverse, can you be a bit more specific?
Either the rods are way off, and there's still a forward gear engaged when you try to go into reverse (won't work), or the shifter itself won't let you pull the lever far enough to the left to align with the reverse rod plate and pull it.

Try disconnecting the 3 rods from the shifter, and check the shifter action. If, with the shifter 'unloaded', you can get into the reverse position (sometimes hard to find, requires a virile push to the left), go on with Jon's adjustment procedure.

I didn't know there was a way to adjust the linkages. I willing to bet that has something to do with it. I bought a new linkage set a couple years ago. It has always been a bit of a paint to get it into reverse, sometimes takes 2 hands and a couple of cuss words.

I do have an x pipe right there but it doesn't affect the forward and backward movement.

I will take the linkages off and see if I'm able to get it into reverse that way. Thanks for the help guys. I'll keep everyone posted on the problem.

I'm looking for a new linkage or a bushing kit also. Where did you get yours? Please let me know how it works once adjusted.

Jon

www.manciniracing.com has them or www.passonperformance.com