When I purchased my (118,000 miles currently) 2001 5.9L 4x4 Ram 1500 a year ago it would only start in neutral and not in park but would physically go into park. I disconnected the external linkage at that time, lubed, inspected and adjusted to no avail. I removed the neutral safety switch and found that when moved to park the slot on the internal lever would not line up with the button on the switch. I have driven it for the past year this way as did the previous owner. The other day I drove home from work put into park and it was in reverse. I have a filter kit, fluid and will be removing pan for inspection. Wanted to see if anyone has any idea what is going on or what to look for that might cause this. It is internal.
Thanks.

 

Welcome to DF.

The park lever, that actually locks the truck in place, is further back in the trans than the shift linkage. I may have developed an issue..... Drop the pan, see whats up, and take it from there.

 

Thanks. When I was researching this a year ago it appeared to me that when the 727 was redesigned to an overdrive unit they essentially just added a rear housing with another drum and clutch pack and made the park pawl rod longer. I will look at that. Thanks for the info.

 

Be sure and let us know what you find.