Hi all, first time post. Appreciate all the help and opinions I can get.

I have a 1986 Dodge W150 with 4wd that I use strictly for plowing out my driveway in Michigan for the winters. I bought it last year and after a couple plows it would not engage in reverse (obviously necessary for plowing). I have changed the fluid, put on a gasket, and put on a filter too (it did not have one b4?) The trans. pan did not have any pieces of metal or anything and the truck drove fine in drive, so I think the tranny is ok, but I have heard the "reverse bands" could need to be tightened?

Is this even a possible solution, or is the tranny shot?

Any ideas, suggestions, would be greatly appreciated. Thx

 

You have a kickdown (front) band and a low/reverse (rear) band. They should both be adjusted if you are having any problems. If the reverse band is not holding in reverse you should be having problems with low also. You might also check the shift linkage adjustment. Anything beyond these two things are probably beyond your ability unless you are a tranny mechanic.

The missing filter is not good. Gunk up in the pump, valve body, and servos will cause all kinds of serious problems.