My VIII has always had an odd sound when trying to engage reverse. Its a grind, clunk kind if noise. But it only happens in reverse. It drives fine in reverse, comes out of reverse fine. But the big, nasty grind at first is starting to bother me. Is this a synchro going out?

 

Most likely yes.

 

Yeah its common for reverse gear damage for whatever reason...if u keep grinding it your going to end up having to replace the gear like I did.

What I use to do is put it back and forth from 3rd to 4th a time or two. Then put it in reverse...it never ground when I did that.. for whatever reason

 

I have two cheating ways I've been using together. I put it in reverse before starting the car and when I park it I use the wooden steps I made to get a jack under it. They have a 12long by 8wide step and its plenty of room for the car to hang out for the night. But thanks for the info!

 

reverse is unsyncronized, first gear would be a different story. hold the clutch in and wait 5 seconds then put it in reverse. Grinding in first would be a blocking ring.