1998 pickup 5 speed problem

[rummy]

Hi, I'm new so please tolerate my inexperience... My 5 speed transmission in my 1998 Frontier is stuck in reverse and will not go into any other gear. For weeks it would not go into reverse. When I tried to shift into reverse it felt like the shifter just hit a dead block. No gear grinding or anything like that because the clutch was releasing fine for the other five gears. Then a few day ago I was shifting and it went into reverse and is currently stuck there. It will not come out of reverse into neutral or any other gear. All five forward gears were working fine until this happened. Is the transmission shot or is there something I can possible do to free it up. Pulling it out of the vehicle isn't a problem. I just don't know what to do once I get it out. Please help if you can as I can hardly afford another transmission unless I absolute have to...

[Rev_D21]

Sounds like either the internal linkage is damaged or a syncro has failed.

[rummy]

Thanks Rev D21.. Does this mean the transmission is scrap or do you believe it can be looked at and possibly fixed. I must pull the transmission to either replace or repair, but can you or anyone else tell me if there is a way to determine if there is linkage damage or bad synchronizes and is it possible or feasible to try and replace syncros or damaged shift linkage?? Also, do you D21 or anyone else know if an older nissan or datsun 4 speed transmission may bolt up to my engine and work???? I have access to a 4 speed that came out of an early model Datsun Z car that is perfect. Can this be used in my 98 Nissan pickup?? Thanks so much!!

[salcaz]

Pull of the stick check for the plastic bushing at the end of it. if it is missing it will prevent you from selecting any gear good luck.