CJ5 T86 reverse gear sticky

[zenit55]

Odd issue with my T86 in 66 cj5. Often the reverse gear gets stuck as if the pilot bushings was binding up. This, however does not happen in 1st or any other gear and when engine is off. I examined the clutch linkage it seems all over the place with the rod (not sure if it's the adjustment part) being loose all over the place. The pedal has a lot of free play towards the top. Is this something that can be adjusted out or do I have a bad bushing?

 

[Jw60]

Tighten the stay cable, , replace your motor and transmission mounts, Adjust your clutch linkage to have 1" free play from the top.

 

[jpflat2a]

Just do one thing at a time so you discover what the problem is.
Shotgun approach not necessary.

 

[zenit55]

I ended up adjusting the cable and the rod and dialing in the free play. the clutch feels much better now, but the gear shifter is still binding up in 1st and reverse only when going really slowly. The way to get it to unbind is either to shut the engine down or accelerate (at which point it all of a sudden feels great). What is odd is that is happening at slow speed/creeping only.

The motor and transmission mounts look in good shape to me.

Looking for other ideas on how to diagnose this.

 

[timgr]

Does reverse/first hang or does it clash from a dead stop with the clutch in and engine idling?
If you have something slightly dragging in the clutch (pilot bearing or incomplete release), the synchromesh in 2nd/3rd may allow you to shift.
The synchros will force the gear speeds to match.
First and reverse has no synchro and will clash.
Maybe put the rear wheels off the ground.
2WD.
Put the transmission in first or reverse.
With the clutch depressed and the engine idling, the driveshaft should stop turning.
Should be no power to the rear wheels when the clutch is in, regardless of which gear.

 

[duffer]

Being this is a T86AA, I wonder if the problem isn't the first/reverse gear hanging up on that spiral fluted shaft.