4 spd - reverse question

[Moparal]

When I pulled my 4 spd out for a new clutch, I dropped it about 6 inches when it fell off the jack. All the gears worked including reverse. Now I can't get it into reverse. I haven't finished installing it as of tonight when I checked the shifter.

Is there a ball bearing or something I might have knocked off?  I was going to pull the side cover off tomorrow and see if I can see what's going on. I am kinda sure it's gotta be something simple since it didn't land on the treads or anything. I figure I bumped something loose.

I could use some feed back on this with my morning cup of coffee tomorrow before I get started.
I wanna drive the car this week for the first time since 1975.  Been patiently waiting a long time since I got this kit car. Looking forward to the fun.

[Alaskan_TA]

Did you make sure that the other rod pivot points were in neutral? If one of them "bumped" into gear and you installed the rods that way it could cause your dilema.

[Moparal]

Yes Barry. About 20 mins ago I checked each gear and turned the drive shaft and then put them back into neutral. It kinda feels like the reverse won't engage all the way like there's something blocking its travel some way. Everything else feels normal. I know I will find out tomorrow.

[74 340 4speed]

Was the reverse tab that goes on the stud on the trans bent when the trans fell?  Did you remove any of the linkage when you pulled it out of the car?  What kind of trans is this?  You mentioned that it was in a "kit car" and didn't know if it was an A-833, muncie, toploader ect....  When I first got the correct shifter/shift linkage setup in my Cuda, it was hard to put it in reverse.  The more  I drove the car, the easier it got.

[Moparal]

Was the reverse tab that goes on the stud on the trans bent when the trans fell?  Did you remove any of the linkage when you pulled it out of the car?  What kind of trans is this?  You mentioned that it was in a "kit car" and didn't know if it was an A-833, muncie, toploader ect....  When I first got the correct shifter/shift linkage setup in my Cuda, it was hard to put it in reverse.  The more  I drove the car, the easier it got.

It's a 70 340 cuda 4 speed trans and a big block bellhousing. I ran an adapter ring. I was changing a defective pressure plate was all and had never drove the car. Everything was installed. I did remove all the linkage and shifter and everything else before i pulled it. Nothing got bent. It feel on its side. I think a ballbearing may have fell out or something. The linkage is adjusted right.