Mariana

I was driving today, leaned over to the passenger floorboard and bumped the shifter all the way to reverse. I was going about 40-45 mph. The tires screeched for about 2 seconds (about 10 feet I imagine) and I pulled it back into neutral or drive, I cant remember it happened so doggone fast. The engine cut off and I coasted about 15 feet and pulled off the road. I gathered myself and started it up and it drive fine...so far.

What all problems do I need to be concerned about or look out for??????????

jim-81

HOLY CRAP! good thing no one slammed into you. I often wondered what would happen if the shifter got bumped. Wait - shouldn't it require the top 'button' to be pushed in/down to switch into reverse?

TimAT

I'd change the oil and filter in the trans- just to look for potential problems- like a bunch of metal in the pan.

Mariana

Yeah Jim, It is supposed to lock. I just checked and it slide into reverse easily. I think I seen a post where somebody deepened the grove/position for on the shifter indicator bracket. Even if I didn't see it, i'm gonna do it. Thanks Tim, that's a good idea checking the filter. I just out the tranny in earlier this year and only drove it a dozen times, so I'm dreading the possibility of rebuilding it again.

TimAT

Yep, I understand that. If you drop the pan and find a bunch of trash- it'll be cheaper now that after whatever, if anything broke. If there's no metal, refill it with fresh fluid and drive on. If you get metal, I'd look a the planetary sets real close.

wombvette

I would think if it hurt it, you would know by now.

donnie1956

Change the fluid and filter, see if there is junk if not drive it. They are pretty tough and it wouldn't be the first time thats happened.

7T1vette

I could be mistaken, but I think the logic circuits on the stock valve body will not allow such a shift. But, if a shift-kit was installed, those designers don't normally consider the "fail-safe" issues.

gkull

I think you should buy a shifter with a reverse lockout so it never happens again.

When I had a 700R4 I used my stock shifter so I had to push the button down to shift into reverse or Park

bluedawg

I used the shift works detents and you have to push the button on top to get it to shift into reverse.

mrvette

OUCH@@! reminds me of the cross shaft in a diffy once, in my work truck, it slid outta position because the bolt came loose, and into the pinion gear, it WAS a posi rear, so the thing slid two tires at about 35 mph, lady behind me was PISSED!@!! I managed to back it up a tad, and nurse it home at about 5 mph for about 3 miles....replaced the entire diffy.....

Mariana

Hey guys, I just dropped the pan and checked the filter and found no "abnormal" or large debris, just the fine metallic dust. The tranny did sit for a few months before I got it in which may explain the small debris.

Hey Mr.Vette, about the diff. I have posi @ 3:70. What should be done at that end as far as checks go?

Also, something I noticed a performance difference before this situation happened. I had a TH400 and it shifted pretty firm which I liked. With the 2004r the shift is quite softer even after I safely played with the TV. I'm not an expert concerning the shift performance between the two transmissions but the difference is that the TH400 had a 2500 stall, and now, the 2004r has a 1800 stall. Can someone explain the differences in the converter regarding performance and the reactions that follow, and should I get a higher stall, ,or just be satisfied?

TimAT

BE happy. The better mileage you'll get with the tighter convertor leads to more cash for other stuff. Until you swap the cam for one that has a torque curve that comes in a little later, just drive it.

The fine metal dust you saw in the pan is pretty normal. I'd be more concerned with NONE at all. It'll clear up after a you change it. After a trans has been apart, everything has to find it's happy spot- so you get some wear. Nothing to worry about.

Mariana

TIM you always have a way with words that makes me feel better. Thanks.
I do have a 274 Xtreme Comp Cam though.