Auto Transmission Hard to put into gear??

[Cosmo12550]

I have a 94 6.5L K3500 w/Automatic. The truck as been sitting for about 1yr or more in my driveway. I recently was able to get the truck running again, (new IP, lift pump, PMD etc.) All the normal fuel issues taken care of. However now that the truck is running, I noticed it is very hard to get the tranny in to any of the gears, drive, reverse etc. with or with out it running. All the gears work fine, and the truck shifts perfect when driving. Its just that the shift lever is very hard to put it into any of the gears. The truck only has 40,000 original miles. Not sure if I need to have tranny flush and filters changed? Or maybe the linkage from the sterring colume to the tranny itself is rusted, (if thats even possiable) I have not check that. Any in put would be appreciated.

[JohnC]

The shifting is accomplished by a cable. It could be bound up, or the linkage on the trans could be bound up. I'd separate the two at the trans and see which one is giving you a hard time, then fix it! ;)

[john8662]

I think the 94's are still column and linkage shifted.

Follow the linkage in the engine bay till you get the trans, lubricate joints as you go along.

The 95+'s did have the cable, and been there done that with those (and a 1996).

[JohnC]

I think the 94's are still column and linkage shifted.



Hmmm, missed that. Besides, my '93 was a stick...

[6.5TDTahoe]

Lube the external linkage pivot points very good. If no improvement the problem is most likly in the valve body where the manual shift valve travels. No need to change ATF ,just reinstall it. JMO

[suburbanK-2500HD]

Here you can see the internal components, if you deside to drop the oil pan you can inspect them for wear..

[Cosmo12550]

Turns out it was the linkage between the colume and the tranny. It was just rusted up from sitting for so long. Cleaned it up with a wire brush and some lube. It's now good as new. Thanks again.