clutch problem

[bigred1]

when engine is running cannot get into any gear. when engine is off can move shifter into gear. 1963 gmc 1500 305ci 4 speed manual

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Do you have fluid in your reservoir?

[bigred1]

yes, had been hearing rattling noise in first and reverse gears

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Might be a worn first gear. First and reverse are the same if I remember right. It's VERY easy to drop the transmission on these and it's not overly heavy. You might hit up one of the parts guys in the marketplace for a new first gear then start pulling the tranny. I've got a full writeup, bolt by bolt, in my build thread here.
Even if you don't need that gear, it's good to have extras on hand for later. If you do need it, it should be there by the time you're ready for it.

[bigred1]

thanks

[Jim A]

Your clutch is not releasing fully. Check fluid, then have someone watch the linkage from below as you cycle the clutch (NOT running).
There is an adjustment for proper clearance (not too much, not too little) that may solve your problem.
I doubt that the problem is in the tranny.
I also wonder what technique Fetch uses to make tranny r&r easy.
I have done mine twice over fifty years and would say it is hard to get to and VERY heavy.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by Jim A

I also wonder what technique Fetch uses to make tranny r&r easy.
I have done mine twice over fifty years and would say it is hard to get to and VERY heavy.

Haha, my technique is drop the fluid, unhook the shifters, unbolt the driveshaft, unbolt the tranny and pull it backward. Tada! It's really not too heavy. It's not a sack of flour, but it's probably a big sack of dog food, just easier to get ahold of.

Mine's a SM318 though, yours might be different.

[lizziemeister'sV6]

Originally Posted by FetchMeAPepsi

Haha, my technique is drop the fluid, unhook the shifters, unbolt the driveshaft, unbolt the tranny and pull it backward. Tada! It's really not too heavy. It's not a sack of flour, but it's probably a big sack of dog food, just easier to get ahold of.

Mine's a SM318 though, yours might be different.

Believe his is 4 speed - a little more "heft" would be needed. Be like a big sack of dog food with a Saint Bernard attached!

[Ed Snyder]

Originally Posted by lizziemeister'sV6

Believe his is 4 speed - a little more "heft" would be needed. Be like a big sack of dog food with a Saint Bernard attached!

If you can believe the info on the internet, the three speed SM318 weighs about 65 pounds, and the four speed SM420 weighs about 135 pounds.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Well there's your trouble! Your transmission is 70 lbs too heavy!