I have a 98.5 2500 4x4, 163000 miles, it suddenly started to have a very weak shift into reverse. Once it's in gear there's no slippage though. It seemed very strange to me the way the problem started, it always had a nice firm shift into gear, drive and reverse, then suddenly had a really soft shift into reverse only, drive is still firm. I've kept it regularly maintained and tried adjusting the bands but didn't help. Thanks for any input.jay5882@yahoo.com

 

Did you check fluid with the trans at running temp in Neutral on Level ground?

I know that is too easy but... just a first thought.

 

Yes sir I did, it's weird because everything works fine other than shifting into reverse.

 

If you actually adjusted the L/rev band as you implied, and only reverse is very soft, you need more than service. Three things come to mind.
L/rev servo is failed. Front clutch is weak, but you said direct gear was O'K. and finally the OD direct clutches are slipping.
Oh, yes. The L/rev servo is only item that can be repaired with tranny still in vehicle.

 

Ah, thank you very much, I'll look further into the servo and see what I can do.