My 98 slams into gear when shifting into reverse from a stop like backing out of a parking spot. It does not appear to do this in any other gear, at least its not noticeable. HELP !!!! I was thinking about doing a transmission filter replacement and fluid change hoping that might help. I remember a long time ago my dad had a similar issue with a car and it turned out to be a motor mount.

Anybody have any thoughts ?????

 

Sounds like you have allot of slop either on the transfer case input or output shafts. What's your idle speed when shifting? Try shifting to neutral before putting it in gear, slows down the transfer case guts. Also check your shifter cable adjustment, it's in the Rave - Service Manual.

 

Could be driveline backlask, A frame balljoint worn or sticking governor in the trans.

 

What would be some other symptoms of both issues??

 

Check the transfer case fluid, it could probably use a change. Otherwise, this is pretty normal. Mine does it about half of the time. Its a geared transfer case, not a chain driven one like every other 4wd on the road.

 

Backlash is more of a clunk but the trans governor sticking is like it suddenly changes gear with a metallic slap sound. Its usually caused by lack of fluid changes allowing crap to build up then getting released throughout the trans and making the governor stick.
Worn ball joint is most prevalent when reversing then going forward but that is more of a clunk also.

 

it you first post you talk about change the fluid and filter have you done that?