I just had my 97 Ram 1500 w/360tnsmission newly rebuilt a week ago and had the chance to put it in today. I filled it with fluid. it goes into all the gears good but reverse. it will select into reverse but nothing happens. the reverse lights come on and all but no go. any help before I take it back to the rebuilder next week??

 

Do the following:
Turn truck on. Shift though all the gears (Reverse, Neutral, Drive, 2, 1) and back to Neutral. Check transmission fluid level.
With truck on, and in neutral (or, I guess you could drive it around the block if transmission fluid shows on the dipstick), bring engine to normal operating temperature.
At normal operating temp, and transmission in neutral, and engine running, check tranny fluid level. Add as needed, but do not overfill.
Remember, tranny fluid expands as it gets warmer, so cold fluid will look like some needs to be added.
It could also be gearshift linkage, or a misadjusted band. Or, a bad rebuild.

 

I'm thinkin' bad rebuild if all other gears are operational. Not likely low fluid level will only affect reverse.

 

Pull the pan down. On the pass side rear inside you'll see the reverse apply servo. This pushes on the band strut, thus applying the band.
Make sure the strut is in place. The bands can and do on occaision break, but not likely if it was replaced.
If you find the strut laying in the pan, then there is your problem.
Remember that high gear is also 1/2 of reverse, so if something is wrong with the high gear clutch pack or seals, it can also cause no reverse. Take it for a ride first,if you can, and make sure you have 3rd gear.

 

on the front passenger side of the trans right above the pan rail there is a pressure test port for your reverse apply. get a pressure gauge and check your pressure. No need to do anything else untill you find out if the hydraulic circit is sound. could be as simple as a torn o ring or a stuck piston but you won't know untill you check. post back with your findings.