[whatstang]

I am willing to bet that the reverse syncro is bound to the reverse gear. That happened to my 3rd gear since the gear is steel and the syncro brass the syncro can sometimes get bound to the gear. I would say that checking the linkage is the first step but you said the linkage is free and clear. The first time i rebuilt my tranny i put a wiring harness clip in the way of the linkage and it stopped it from going into reverse.....For a second when it happens you think to yourself...."Do i really need reverse?......Fuck of course i need reverse!!!" As for your other question who the Guru is I would say Bretbrinkman is extremely knowledgable and very helpful but he is also very busy. Hope he dosent mine me dropping his name but he is very familiar with the internals of this tranny. Goodluck.