I have a 1989 F150 with a C6 motor. My auto transmission is shot from what transmission shop has told me but I'm not a firm believer in them. The only gear that will work is reverse, when I put in drive or 3,2,1 nothing happens. My shifter linkage isn't broken, transmission doesn't make any type of noises. I dropped the tranny today and there was metal shavings in the bell housing around torque converter. I can turn the innermost rod freely, and should it be able to come completely out? What can I do to reassure myself that the transmission needs replacing ?

 

I'm not an expert but in my experience if the only gear that works is reverse then your transmission is trashed.

 

reverse only means the forward gears are baked. you can rebuild them, it isn't that hard but you do need 2 torque wrenches and a kit