'71 350 with 3 speed auto it will go into reverse and park but no other gears. Trans fluid is at correct level hot. Have no idea what the prob is. Do I need new trans or is there a cheaper fix?

 

We need more information here. What does it do exactly when you select a forward gear? Does the engine just rev, does the engine die? Does reverse function normally? Does it make any strange noises?


At what point did the trans start to act up, ie it worked yesterday but not today? The car sat for awhile? The last time it drove did it make any odd noises, act funny, not shift right? The fluid is at the correct level but is it burnt? It should be a nice reddish color without chunks. You'll know if it's burnt.

 

Reverse works fine but when I put it in drive it does nothing it's like it's in neutral. The fluid is brand new. It hasn't been driven for a while but it drove fine.

 

I'd have to say that changing the fluid is what brought on your problem. If the old fluid was burnt or worn out then the new fluid will be too slippery. Whatever the problem the bottom line is I think the trans is toast. If you happen to be on the south side of Atlanta I know an excellent trans guy.