Need reverse fixed 1978 Ford LTD II

Tiny
MYWEB56K
  • MEMBER
  • 1978 FORD LTD
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
I Am interested in a 1978 Ford LTD II with recently rebuilt engine running fine.

Needs new tires and transmission (C-6) issue remedied. Runs great forward not reverse.

I saw a ford bulletin about sticking valves and transmission cooler.

Being that old I Am also interested in how to check the gear shifter linkage

I was wondering what you suggest to remedy the situation.

Thanks much, God bless and be well!
Friday, November 7th, 2025 AT 3:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,601 POSTS
This can be the valve body sticking but there is a servo that needs to be check as well here are the basic instructions on how to check the linkage and reverse servo. =

External Linkage and Manual Lever Check

Tools:

1 Assistant in driver’s seat
2 9/16” wrench
3 Penetrating oil
4 Small pry bar

Procedure:

1 Chock rear wheels, parking brake on.
2 Have your assistant shift through the gears while you watch the manual lever on the driver’s side of the transmission.
3 Verify it clicks firmly into each detent.
4 Manually move it to the full “R” position.
5 Check for free play or worn bushings in the rod ends.

Adjustment:

1 Put both the column shifter and transmission lever in Neutral.
2 Loosen the linkage adjustment nut.
3 Align rod and lever holes; tighten nut.
4 Verify full range engagement.

Before pulling the transmission, remove the valve body and inspect the reverse servo (round cover near tailshaft).

If its piston seal is cracked or the servo bore has fluid leakage, that’s your problem - and you can often fix that without a full teardown.

Please upload an image or short videos in your response of the problem, so we can see what's going on.
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Sunday, November 9th, 2025 AT 10:28 AM

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