89 RRC Gearbox problems

[Hooligan]

Hey folks,
I'm in the process of resurrecting an 89 RRC that was in storage for 10+ years. Engine is running well, but it won't shift into gear. Changed fluids in the gearbox, tc & diff's. Any suggestions on where to look for the problem?
Thanks, Bob

 

[StangGT5]

Silly question, and assuming it's an automatic, but are you sure the shift cable is hooked up underneath? Is the transfercase in gear? If so, try Reverse and 1st. If 2, 3 and D positions are the only gears that don't work you could have a clogged/failed governor and/or an inverted sprag clutch.

 

[Hooligan]

Silly question, and assuming it's an automatic, but are you sure the shift cable is hooked up underneath? Is the transfercase in gear? If so, try Reverse and 1st. If 2, 3 and D positions are the only gears that don't work you could have a clogged/failed governor and/or an inverted sprag clutch.

Yes, everything works underneath for both the gearbix & TC. No engagement in any gear.

 

[rover4x4]

89..

Try locking the CDL to see if it will move, sounds like a dead trans

 

[StangGT5]

Yes, everything works underneath for both the gearbix & TC. No engagement in any gear.

Hmmm does it do anything at all? I bought a parts truck once that I thought the trans had died. Turned out the parking brake setup had rusted together so hard it wouldn't let the truck move.

If you don't feel anything at all moving through the gears I'd say the trans is dead. Either the converter, pump, or governor let go.

 

[roverchef]

Did you check pressures? I would before condemning the box.

 

[Hooligan]

Ended up doing a purge & it came back to life. Thanks everyone!

 

[StangGT5]

Ended up doing a purge & it came back to life. Thanks everyone!

That's great. Did you just change the fluid a second time? Wonder if something was gummed up from sitting like the governor or pump seal.

 

[Blueboy]

Ended up doing a purge & it came back to life. Thanks everyone!

Always a great feeling!

 

[Hooligan]

That's great. Did you just change the fluid a second time? Wonder if something was gummed up from sitting like the governor or pump seal.

No, a guy in the UK recommended a purge process where you cycle through the gears with your feet on the brake and accelerator, keeping the rpms around 1000 for 10 seconds each. All the way down & all the way up a few times. By the time I got through the 2nd cycle, it started responding. I had never heard of that before, but it worked!