My wife was coming back from a trip, gets about 100 miles from home and loses every gear except 4th and 5th. I've got every gear back, somewhat, except 3rd.
1st and 2nd require work to get 'em. When I step on the clutch in reverse, the truck jumps forward. New tranny?

 

sounds like slave not releasing or bad clutch if the clutch doesn't release the synchros are designed to limit you putting into first and second if its spinning to fast to prevent damage id check the hydraulics first and then the clutch itself. How many miles on it?

 

Truck has 202 K miles. Previous owner said he changed clutch. I pulled shifter and worked it with a screwdriver. Got 1 and 2 back but very hard slide in 1st. With engine off. can feel gears in 3rd, but will not go in. Again, if I'm in reverse, going backward and step on the clutch still in reverse, the truck lurches forward like I have a forward gear engaged. I'm still in reverse.

 

Sounds like transmission then i think reverse is basically first with some fancy clockwork to make it run backwards with 202K that sounds most likely sorry to say. If its hard to put in gear with the engine off it must be something internal if your pretty handy rebuild kits can be had for a few hundred bucks and you can rent most of the tools you need from advanced.

 

I appreciate the feedback. I've been thinking tranny from get-go but wanted second opinion. I've got one on the way. Figure I can install that one and maybe rebuild mine and re-install or sell. Thanks again.

 

Yeah when i did my swap i just picked up an LQK unit with low miles its been great so far and has a warranty. Good luck! if you can rebuild the other you'll probably get most of your money back there like gold! i had a very hard time finding one even though most people say they are crap they must be pretty good if most of the rebuild shops can't find cores to rebuild.