I looked through the archives, but couldn't find much on this. The 4 speed w/no overdrive shifter knob on my friend's '78 245 has the sliding sleeve to permit transfer into reverse. However, this sleeve has ceased to function, rendering the venerable car useful only in moving forward. As useful as this might be in psychology (not moving backwards..), it is not a desireable quality in a car.
We know that the problem is not the gearbox or clutch due to recent service and rock solid performance- but cant seem to wiggle through the nuance of the sleeve and it's pins. Apparently the use of the sleeve became progressively more difficult over time. Besides this, the car is a beauty!
Tell me this is an easy fix!

Thanks!

I fixed mine in late 2001. There is a pull up wire like a croche hook or a hockey stick and the blake had snapped off at the bend. I took it apart and cleaned the whole system and picked up a used lifter at the wreckers.

The tough part was the shift knob seemed to be the alignment of the shift spacer and the tightening bolt. Took me a couple of tries so try it several times before you put the rubber and covers all on.

Stephen

Hope this diagram helps you to see what's inside there. The lockout flange could simply be out of alignment. It could get knocked around if the engine or trans mounts fail and the shifter contacts the body.
Good luck!
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: "Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!"

it's because the trans linkage is 24 years old. My 1979 gave problems, and I looked down in there and decided that disassembly was beyond me.

However, where the diagram shows rubber damps below and above the ball, I slopped in a gang of 3-in-1 Oil. That's a light oil, able to wash away some accumulated gunk and also to lubricate the ball. It ws a great help. The damps were a teflon-looking plastic. If yours are rubber, use ATF as 3-in-1 may deteriorate rubber.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)