okay, so i went and looked at a truck- 93ext cab, long bed duallie 4x4 auto 177k miles. the trans when you shift it is really smooth like you cant feel the the gears. and when you shift in it reverse its not there. no grinding or anything( so my thorey is the linkage between the trans and shifter broke. they said they parked it in the winter and went to move it and it had no reverse and when they parked it it had reverse. and that just doesnt disappear so is my idea right?? thanks

 

id say yeah your thought of the linkage being off is right. i would check on the steering shaft and see if it is there or not