No forward gears

I'm looking at getting a 79 Ranchero, the problem with the car is that the tranny is messed up and only runs in reverse. I'm not a tranny guy so I have no idea what could be causing this kind of problem. If it's an easy fix I may consider getting it since the price is so low ($600 obo), and tow it home.

If the rest of the car is in good shape I'd go for it. You didn't mention if the fluid was ok or if the filter and other users things had been checked. Are all the correct hoses and lines ok? I'm not an automatic specialist but someone will know. SHU

I haven't checked the car out yet, I hope to do it tomorrow. Worse case scenario I just pull the tranny and have my brother rebuild it for me.

I'm not going to be much help to you either as far as what's wrong with it, but from my experience with the Cougars, T-birds, and 'cheros of that vintage, I can tell you this: It more than likely has an FMX transmission in it. If it's a 302 or a 351W, a C4 would probably fit it, too, although I definitely would want an auxilliary cooler on a C4 in a heavy car like that - especially if you want to use it like a truck. Maybe this will at least help you scrounge for parts or a replacement ahead of time. Sounds like a decent deal.

Plan on a rebuild. The usual problem is a bad inner piston seal in the forward clutch piston. It requires removal and teardown to get at it.

try a modulator valve. My torino had the same issue and we put a new one on and it worked for about 10 miles. Its worth a shot for a simple fix.