ok guys i just bought a 89 f150 4x4 with a 351 drove it home 70 miles with no issues at all got it home left it parked for like 4 hours went to leave and it will not shift out of first gear first is good and reverse works fine not sure what tranny it is but was told it was one of the first ones with automatic od the guy i bought the truck from said it was originally a 302 truck he put the 351 in it also told me he had the tranny rebuilt and changed the computer im stumped not sure if its tranny or electrical i had read other posts about this issue and seen people had bought different tranny and still wouldnt shift so dont know where to start can anyone help me out

 

If the truck is close by can you go out, get under it and count the number of bolts around the transmission oil pan?
It is important for anyone trying to diagnose the problem to know what trans you have.
If 14 bolts then it is an AOD, if 17 bolts then a C6 (no OD), if 20 bolts then an E4OD (electronically controlled).
Also will it shift through the gears if you shift it manually with the shifter?
Also check that the transfer case is in 2hi.

 

If you have an AOD(code T on the drivers door decal) I bet I know what the problem is... and you're not gonna like it. The PO installed the wrong flexplate between the 351 and the trans, and this pushes the torque converter back too far and that results in the trans oil pump grinding itself to death and sending find metal particles throught the transmission so all the valves and solenoids now stick. The only fix is a complete rebuild.

 

thanks guys it wont shift manually.it is in 2 hi got my buddy checkin the bolts but were pretty sure its a aod and will a c6 out of a older truck work with my motor if i have to buy a tranny

 

Ford AOD TV cable adjustment - YouTube
Here is how to adjust the TV cable, if it is an AOD. Worth checking that.
If you get a 4x4 C6 from another truck with the same engine family it will bolt up. You will need to run a vacuum line to it and a kickdown rod.
Unfortunately Conanski`s doomsday senario could well be your problem.

 

will check the adjustment today and prob start lookin for a tranny also appreciate the help fellas

 

one more question for ya will my transfer case work with the c6 or will i have to get one of them too

 

Did you ever figure out what transmission was in the truck now?

 

the truck has a aod in it now

 

Yes, your transfer case will work with a C6.

 

cool thats a plus thanks