I’m looking for any help I can get. I baught a 2001 1500 5.9 4x4. I’ve done a lot of work to get it running including a transmission swap, u joints, sensors, coolers, oil pump, exsaust and manifolds, and as much as I can while I’m there. I finally got the truck together and started and I’m having some problems that I can’t figure out.

-starts in neutral
-tries to drive forward in neutral (which was intense Becuase my breaks are weak)
-starting in park is hit or miss
-clunks when set to reverse
-sloppy gas pedal but works

I really apretiate any clues or advice. I don’t have anyone to ask and I come here for all my advice. I’ve always wanted to be a mechanic like my dad. Thaught this could be a good way to start learning. It’s been a good 9 months of working on it and it would be a huge moral boost on my mechanic dreams to get this right. Thanks so much, Avery

 

New update it also won’t reach 1st or 2nd.it can’t go past drive while trying to shift the lever

 

Likely need to adjust the shift linkage for starters. Might be some worn bushings in it as well.

Moving this to second gen ram section for ya. Welcome to DF!

 

Update! Messing with the linkage I’ve found neutral but it still likes to creep hit or miss. But it will go into every gear pretty well besides neutral. Wish me luck!

 

Put the shifter in neutral, (engine off, tires blocked) shift the trans to neutral, then make the linkage hook up without moving anything. (just the adjustment)

 

I will try that and see if it’s better it shifting better now that I messed with the linkage but I don’t think reverse to neutral is supposed to roll forward but I could be wrong