M5R1 reverse issue

[Pdub24]

So I have had the ranger for about a month now and have rebuilt the top end of the motor, replaced power steering pump, fixed starter issues and replaced a bunch of vacuum lines. And just when I thought I would be able to start doing fun stuff with it my reverse gear **** out on me....
Its the M5R1 and I never checked the reverse gear when I bought it. It worked for about two days then it wouldn't slide in the first time. I texted the seller and he told me to "double clutch and grind the **** out of it." Well as I am sure you have guessed a few times of doing that and it is gone now.
All it does is grind when you press the clutch and pull it back. The stick won't slide into place
Things I have tried so far:
Rocking the truck slowly back and forth with the motor off to try and get it to fall in reverse.
Double clutching and grinding the **** out of it.

I am an E3 in the military so "buy a rebuilt transmission" isn't really my go to....
I feel like it might be shift linkage or a bent shift fork. Has anyone had this issue? any and all help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[RangerX]

Could be the slave. It's common to be difficult to get into 1st and reverse when the slave goes bad.

 

[Pdub24]

Could be the slave. It's common to be difficult to get into 1st and reverse when the slave goes bad.

First is going into gear fine. Could it just be causing issues for reverse and still be the slave?

 

[RangerX]

My only experience is with a bad slave. It could well be something in the trans itself like your first thought. But have you checked the clutch reservoir just for hahas?

I'm moving this into the Transmission forum where you might get more knowledgeable answers.

 

[PopRichie77]

Grinding the **** out of it is not a good thing to do and only makes the problem worse. Check the master cylinder for fluid, but the trans most likely has to come out and be fixed.