Hi all, Im new here. I just bought a 1981 Suburban the other day, they told me it had a 454 swap done to it, but it has Oldsmobile valve covers. My GM knowitall friend told me that it was a 455, but I really have no clue what engine or transmission are in it. Anyway, soon after I bought it, my transmission started to slip, and last night I want to back up and I had no reverse gear. Its almost like its stuck in drive constantly and reverse is battling it for control. It goes forward in neutral, drive, 2,1, and starts to forward in reverse before it stops, almost like the parking brake is on. If I get on the gas it holds at a constant RPM, but it doesnt slip when I drive anymore. At this point in time, and with my luck lately, Im guessing a total rebuild/new trans, but Im just wondering whatchall think might be the problem. Thanks!

 

You have a linkage issue from the shift lever to tranny. I don't know why anyone would put a 455 in a chevy........

 

Well if it was a linkage issue, why would it still (kind of) go into park and reverse. Its not like its not engaging the selections, its just that it seems to crawl forward until it hits the parking pawl and that stops it, like its stuck in drive. And same with reverse, it rolls forward until reverse engages and then it stops

 

well, sounds like bands are wacked, is it a t400?

 

Thats what I thought. And Im not 100% sure, but its a 3 speed hooked to a big block, so Im assuming so. Ill have to get under and see if it has the Texas oil pan tomorrow.