Ford 3600 won't shift into 4th/8th gear

[sixbales]

I"ve got a Ford 3600 with an 8 speed transmission. It will not shift into 4th/8th. I had the cover off a few days ago, and checked the detent (ball looked fine) - wouldn"t shift with detent ball/spring/plunger removed. The set screw is set well in its divot on the rail. With the engine running and clutch out I tried shifting and could hear a low-level growl.

I"ve concluded that there must be a misalignment at the shift collar. Maybe a bent fork.

What sayeth you Gurus??
 

[souNdguy]

will it shift with the engine off?

when you shift it to 4th, then pull the cover.. does it look engaged?
 

[sixbales]

Howdy Chris,
It will not shift into gear with engine on or off. I tried it with the engine on and clutch out to see if I could hear it grind - and it did grind.
 

[souNdguy]

shift it in and see how far it goes..
 

[sixbales]

The shift lever moves less than 1/4" from neutral to firm stop at 4th gear.
 

[RodinNS]

My money would be on a bent fork... provided the shift lever is actually engaged in that rail.
Can you move the left rail rearward with a pry bar with the cover removed?

Rod
 

[sixbales]

The fork is definitely engaged on the rail. Cannot move the left rail rearward with a prybar (BIG screwdriver - didn"t get rough with it).