I have a '94 F150 4X4 351 w/auto transmission. Yesterday when I went to shift it into Reverse to back out of my driveway there was no response from the transmission. I fiddled with the gear shift lever and pulled it down to where it indicated Neutral, it then shifted into reverse. I experimented with the shift lever some more and noticed that the lever seems to feel loose. In order to get it to shift into the gear I want, I have to go to the next gear down before the transmission will engage. At that point the lever can be pushed back up so the indicator points at the gear I am in (without having to pull it forward). Where should I start to find the problem?

 

Look under the dash just above the steering column.

There are 2 bolts that work loose or the shaft is cracked.

 

Exactly right Stuart.
The problem got even worse yesterday when the transmission would not go into Park.
I found one bolt rolling around on the floor and it was the culprit. I re-installed it and everything is alligned and working properly now. Thanks for the help.

 

You are more than welcome.
You gotta get lucky once in awhile, even if it is repairing a vehicle.