Just like the title says my dads ranger dies when you put it in rev. all the other gears are fine but as soon as he shifts into rev the rps fluctuate (500 to 1500) a few times and then it dies. its an 80s (i think 89) w/ a 2.9 and a manual... anyone know what could cause this

 

Its a manual? That doesn't make sense at all then...

 

ya i cant firgure it out... only in reverse and hes got to rev it pritty high to back up and it still drops the rpm's and then jumps them. when he backs up it goes from 3-1 grand

 

anyone have a guess

 

Is it possible that something is mechanically shorting-out with the motion of moving the gearshift to the reverse position?

 

The rear drum brakes tighten when you back up could they actually be locking the breaks up when you reverse? That might be why it goes from 3k to 1? Just a guess...

 

i dont know because it happens as soon as you shift it into reverse... even if you havent moved yet

 

what could be running along there that could short it out bad enought to kill the engine

 

Not sure. It was just a suggestion. I'm sure the more technically inclined will chime in.

 

Wait so its a stick, and you press the clutch to the floor, and move the lever into reverse and it dies? Is there any grinding or hesitation when trying to engage reverse?

 

no... and it only does it in reverse... not in 1st threw 4th and yes its a stick

 

No what? No, the clutch isn't to the floor? Or No, there is no grinding/hesitation?

 

No grinding noise... the clutch is to the floor and it shifts smoth. when he first told me about the problem i thought it was a syncro but since i shifts smoth and doesnt grind i figured that couldnt be the problem

 

Very Odd man. I would ask Bob and see what he thinks....

 

wheres bob

 

rwenzing PM him.