'61 Apache - Problem with reverse

[AD8]

Looking for a good place to start troubleshooting a little problem.

This happened once a while back, a month or so later. Yesterday, again, now it's time to figure it out.

When backing down the driveway to park, in reverse (stock, column shift, 235), while manuevring the truck into position, the clutch pedal will be in and out, alternating between brake and gas. When it came time to finally stop and shut down, I depressed the clutch, applied the brakes and attempted to move gearshift lever from reverse to neutral - but the lever was stuck, it would not disengage. I pumped the clutch and felt a slight loss of pedal. As the truck was still in gear and still moving backward, I turned off the key. I pumped the clutch again, depressed the pedal and the lever moved without resistance into neutral. Pedal pressure returned.

Never had any problems in forward gears. No sticking, popping out of gear, stiffness or grindng. Always smooth action going through the gears, up and down.

I haven't owned a manual trans in years (though have driven a lot of them). Looking for a good starting point to solve this problem. Appreciate any comments or advice.

Thanks,

AD8

[geezer#99]

Could be the motor/trans are twisting on the mounts enough to bind the linkage arms.
Try the same maneuver with the hood open so you can see the valve cover or air cleaner thru the gap.
Watch to see if it moves much.
And inspect your motor or trans mounts.

[AD8]

Thanks Geezer,

I will add to the list of "check it outs."

AD8

[AD8]

I just recalled... The only instances where this problem occured was when the wheel was cranked hard, at low speed, one way or the other - reverse only. Could there be some bending or flexing at these extremes that is interfering with the normal function of the linkage, as it is tied to the steering shaft?

It has been suggested that worn motor motor mounts could be the cause. Would that still apply when, at each occurance, the engine was at idle (not much torque)?

I have a friend coming by later in the week to operate behind the wheel while the invetigation continues.

Thanks,

AD8