96 Explorer only shifts into 2nd and Park

[Marty1661]

I have a 96 explorer 4x4 with an automatic transmission. I drove it out of the drive way to turn it around when I put it from drive to reverse there was a pop/clunk with a gear grinding whirring noise and no reverse. I stopped and tried drive but no sound (acted like it was in neutral). I have since found it will go into park and 2nd (on the shift indicator) gear fine (got it back up hill to the top of the drive way). Could this be a valve body gasket failure? If not, any ideas?

No Engine Codes, no O/D light flashing. When put into Drive or Reverse it tugs just a little (like it tried to go into gear) but then lets off and acts like its in neutral. Shifter has a ton of slop in it, so I have tried going "between" gears with no luck.

Thanks for any help.

 

[PopRichie77]

It sounds like the reverse band broke but drive should still work. The OD Sprag could have broke. Both require tear down to fix. Put the Transfer case in low and try. Blown valve body gaskets don't made grinding noises but pull pan and valve body first to check as it has to come off either way.
Sorry can't give you a more definite answer.

 

[Marty1661]

Thanks PopRichie!

I'm going to investigate the blown valve body gasket, I'm thinking next weekend, as there isn't any grinding (only did it for a second) and I still have 2nd gear forward. Seems like there is a pulse of pressure and it tries to shift, but then lets off. Found some good videos and instructions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilYmZpgfXa8

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ad_Separator_Plate_And_Valve_Body_Gasket.html

Will post my results when finished. May document as this will be the first time doing anything with a auto transmission other than installing one in a van. I have gotten so much from this site over the years I would like to give back a little.

Thanks!
-Martin