TH350 shift problems

[audioslave1123]

In order to get the transmission into drive I have to slam it back quickly from park, if the trans is in reverse I have to put it back into park then slam it back again, some times its pretty easy, just have to move it quickly, other times it just keeps getting stuck at reverse. I checked the linkage and that seems fine, pulled the linkage off the transmission and tried to shift it directly from there and I had the same problem, so I'm guessing its in the transmission? Any ideas what it could be?

 

[75GmcJimmy4x4]

sticking valvebody????

 

[GMC1977]

try changing the vaccum modulator thingy too. they cause alot of problems. my TH350 started doing that into reverse and went out 2 days later...

 

[audioslave1123]

The transmission itself shifts properly once its in gear, its just selecting the gear. thanks for the replies so far

 

[AZ79K5Project]

I had some difficulty getting the gear to engage - I was low on tranny fluid.

When's the last time the tranny's been serviced? How many miles are on it?

 

[audioslave1123]

just changed the fluid and filter a few months ago, checked the fluid everything looks good with that, the transmission feels fine when its in in gear, no slipping or problems like that, its just actual selection of the gear thats the problem, its right after reverse that it hits like a wall that it wont move, unless I put it back in park and slam it back quickly to drive

 

[Fordum]

See if you can find an exploded view of one and see what the shifter linkage looks like inside the transmission. It sounds like the coupling between the shift lever outside and the valve body inside is loose or worn letting it jam when you try to shift it. If you keep driving it, something might come loose and go to a bad place and cause major damage.
With any luck, its fixable fairly cheap right now.

J.