F150 C6 issues

[arakele]

I am looking at getting an early 80's F150 for a beater truck. It was described as having transmission issues. I asked if it could go into gear or not and he said he can only put it in low and drive forward. My gut tells me it is just the linkage, but I am not that familiar with fords to know if this may be a symptom of a worse problem. Anyone familiar with C6's? My understanding is C6s are pretty bulletproof. I did have an E40D (C6 derivitive) in an Econoline, but never had any issues with it.

 

[OVERKILL]

Yes, the C6 is a VERY durable transmission. I'd go take a look at it and play with the selector and see if you can get it to shift, you are correct in thinking that it may just be a linkage issue.

 

[vw7674]

if you've got first & reverse, the next thing would be the intermediate band, needs to apply to access second gear.

 

[AutoMechanic]

C6 are excellent transmissions.

 

[clinebarger]

The Nylon Bushings Ford used on the shift linkage are very failure prone & I've seen many creative ways people Rig them to get down the road.

That said......The newest C6 units are about worn/aged out by now. A broke Lo/Reverse Roller Clutch would require Manual Low to move forward.

 

[Lubener]

if you've got first & reverse, the next thing would be the intermediate band, needs to apply to access second gear.

He said he has low and drive, that leaves no reverse. His descriptions are so vague, I am curious if the transmission up shifts properly in drive on the open road. He just says it engages which doesn't tell the whole story.

 

[Lubener]

I would think if the linkage was at fault, every gearshift position would have problems as well as being able to crank the engine in neutral and park as the neutral safety switch would be affected.

 

[OVERKILL]

I would think if the linkage was at fault, every gearshift position would have problems as well as being able to crank the engine in neutral and park as the neutral safety switch would be affected.

It's possible that things are out of whack enough that Reverse is somewhere between D and N and Drive is down near the 1 or the 2. Usually this is pretty easy to figure out though.