904 Trans won't go into park or neutral

[iwannabfishn]

I have a 68 coronet with the 904 transmission. I can shift through the gears and it seems to be shifting on the transmission, at least I see it clicking into place from under the car. But reverse doesn't work and neutral isn't working and neither is park. Both kind of feel like the car is in gear and your foot is on the brake, if you rev the engine, you feel the car try to go forward. The forward gears seem to be working. It just doesn't feel like it ever comes out of gear. I took the adjustment arm loose at the transmission and I could move through the gears ok. Not sure what to check now? Is it time to take the pan off and check the internals? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[BeatersRus]

have you had the car up on stands with the rear tires in the air and tried it like that shifting ?
sounds like its toast,probably the reverse band is snapped/gone and binding.

CbodyBob is in your area,hes a Valuable member over on the c-body forum.
great guy,real asset to the hobby.
if you end up needing a used tranny,he might have a stack of them.
lmk and ill link if needed.

 

[iwannabfishn]

have you had the car up on stands with the rear tires in the air and tried it like that shifting ?


No I haven't tried it on jack stands yet. I will give that a try tomorrow.

 

[493 Mike]

I think you may find the rear clutch is fried and not releasing.
Mike

 

[dvw]

I'd second the rear clutch is worn and seized or the belleville spring broke.
Doug

 

[iwannabfishn]

How would I know? I am not very good with transmissions. I have changed fluid and adjusted the bands but outside of that I am not super knowledgable. I have the pan off now. No metal or broken springs so far. Everything looks normal at first glance. I am getting some food and going back shortly.

 

[miller]

How would I know?

On the rear clutch?
Trans in lap...complete teardown.

 

[iwannabfishn]

Thats kinda what I thought . That is out of my league. I will have to take it to a professional. I took the pan off and adjusted the band. I didn't find anything weird, everything looked in place and no metal or anything obvious in the fluid. Put it all back together this morning and it is still the same. Even when in park and you start it, the car wants to lurch forward. It feels just like stepping on the gas and the brake at the same time. When running it won't go backward in any gear. If I turn the car off and put it in reverse it will roll backwards and park seems to keep it from rolling so I think it is in the gear. I think you are right that the clutch is bad. Would I be looking at the complete rebuild? It is probably time. 50 years is pretty good between rebuilds? Ha Ha!
Thanks for all the info!

 

[493 Mike]

Too bad your so far away. I would have given you the "B" bodies discount!
Mike

 

[miller]

Would I be looking at the complete rebuild? It is probably time. 50 years is pretty good between rebuilds? Ha Ha!

Lol, yeah.
If there's something in the rear clutch pack that's busted, or flat wore out, you can't see it without pulling it. Too many miles on the trans, sure, do a complete rebuild on it. If not, your just asking for something else to break, five minutes later. Parts and pieces only last so long.

Try to find someone, who knows how to work on 'em, to do the job. Some of the trans shops these days, are only experienced with the 'later' stuff.
And, don't worry about it...happens to the best of trans. Sorry, but it happens!

 

[miller]

btw...just to gum up the works a little more...

Rule of thumb. Always replace, or rebuild the converter, to go on a rebuilt trans. They have clutches in 'em, too.

 

[493 Mike]

btw...just to gum up the works a little more...

Rule of thumb. Always replace, or rebuild the converter, to go on a rebuilt trans. They have clutches in 'em, too.

None had lock-up converters 50 years ago. If trans is not trashed/full of debris I usually reuse nonlock-up Torqueflite converters as long as the hub looks good. Never had a problem in over 45 years. You can't do it with a Ford though!
Mike

 

[miller]

You can't do it with a Ford though!

Wouldn't touch a Ford, with a 10' pole.

Builder's choice. If trans is 50 years old, so is the converter. At the least, ask the trans rebuilder what they think.