Rebuild or Replace?

The reverse on my 96 maxima has gone out. Most of the repair shops I've talked to say the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Does any one know why the just the reverse went out, and/or how to fix it? If I do need to replace the transmission, how hard would it be to convert it to a manual?

...how hard would it be ...

The basic why / structure: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/24

- 1st things 1st: Run self diagnostic; see above
- Measure signals at TCU; see above
- solenoid pack may become suspect, "real cheap" to change, tranny on.
- electrical signals to tranny solenoidpack controls everythin. Wire broken?
- all electronics troubleshootin starts from voltage checks, at batt, at TCU
- check gear lever linkage, switch, worn bushings etc.
- There is a Nissan TSB explaining why/how to correct reverse gear clip that has been jumped off. Dont know if it applies here, but check (tranny has to be opened).
- bubbles blocking flow: change oil, keep idling 30min in R, chasssis in various steep angles; see abobe. (why this would happen, low oil/ I dont know. Probability very low, cheap to tst.
- manual conversion; see 'Favorite Links' above
- If nothin helps, I'd seek for low mile A/T replacement

usually when you lose just reverse gear the sun gear is broken. do you still have forward gears? most of the time the front planetary will also be damaged. if you decide to rebuild, take it to a repuatable shop. as far as converting to a manual, more trouble than it's worth.