Transmission bad. Options . . .

[Lobo'74]

Finally got under the truck to check out why it would only go into first. Its a '79 saginaw all syncro 3 speed. Now I can get it into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, but not reverse. If I try to push hard on the shifter to force it into reverse it still won't go in, and is then hard to get it into first. If I just use 1,2,3 it seems OK.

When I disconnect the shifter arm from the rod leading to the transmission the shifter works fine and I can move the rod pushing the transmission lever into first, but can not push it into reverse. I think my old Fenton shifter is OK but that something is wrong internally in the tranny.

On a related note, the clutch is starting to slip.

Looks to me like I'll have to take it to a transmission shop. I hate to spend anything on repairs or rebuilds of this tranny since I want to go with either a 5 speed from a more current 1/2 ton, or a performance modded 700R4. I have even considered a chevy 4 speed (NOT a truck granny 1st gear 4 speed) but know that the final drive ratio is still only 1:1. Just don't have the bucks to do the conversion now . . .but if I have to rebuild this one anyway . . .

Can anyone give me any ideas on approximate costs for:
*Convert to an auto & go with a performance 700R4 (I estimate this to be $2500-$3000)
* Get a new HD clutch and a rebuilt 5 speed (I estimated that at $2000-$2500)
*Any other ideas and estimates?