1973 malibu transmission problem

[1973chevelle]

ok so i have a 1973 chevelle malibu its got the 350 and 350 turbo transmission and it wont back up and when u put in to R its like another N it even idles as high as it does in N and u don't feel it slide or nothing its just like another N and also the transmisson leaks oil from where it connects to the motor to the transmisson but only in Drive so i was wondering what was wrong with it if it was a band or the gears or it just need the transmisson filter change some one told me just to add transmisson oil to see if it would work because the filter had nothing to do with it not backing up and i was wondering if that was true or not because that guy wanted the car for $1000 that car is in good shape and Im the 2nd ower of it. i bought it from an old lady in 2005 and she was the only one that had owned it and i pay $300 but the motor is really good. and i want to get it back on the road but i dont know whats wrong with the transmission so if you guys could help that would be nice.here a pic of my car

[inafogg]

hello.1st dont sell it.it sounds like linkage could be worn can you find reverse by moving shifter 1 way or another??the leak sounds like front pump seal.if you check the fluid level it maybe low enough to cause your problem.if its the front seal trans will need to come out for replacement.GOOD LUCK

[1973chevelle]

well i dont want to sell it because its got a strong motor. when i got it it backed up fine but now like when the car is all heated up it seems to go in to R or i think it does but not sure. it has enough transmisson fluid. do you think it could be the filter or bands. i dont think its the gears because it wouldn't idle high like it does in N or P you know .

[inafogg]

Auto trans are'nt my specialty but could be the clutches.if so you'll need to rebuild.i'm sure someone will post with more experiance

[MagicRat]

If you are absolutely sure the linkage is allowing it to engage reverse and you are sure the level is fine, then try changing the fluid and filter on the transmission and clean out the pan.

Years back I bought a well - used '77 Caprice with the same driveline combo as yours.
It would only engage reverse, all forward gears were like neutral. However, a fluid and filter change fixed it right up.

[72chevelleOhio]

....if worse comes to worse, the 350 turbo is simple to rebuild.

I got a performance overhaul kit for mine. I had a book, but the kit also came with an "exploded view" of the trans. (with specs) I really didnt need the book I had.
I think the only real thing you can goof up on is putting the check balls in the valve body and the pump gears in backwards...

[1973chevelle]

Ok update today when i was driving it i noticed that it was harder to shif from park to R like it was gettin stuck or something and i haven't change or replaced anything yet i am just waiting until this weekend to do it.. but do you guys think its the cable?


thanks

Juan

[maxwedge]

Disconnect it at the trans and see what it feels like.