Gas Workhorse doesn't move

[Rec3]

I have a lifted 97 Workhorse (Oasis) with a 24HP Honda Vtwin conversion. After switching from forward to reverse yesterday, the engine started free-running as if it was stuck in neutral. Here's a list of stuff I checked:
1) Shift cable linkage: Seems free and clear, shaft going into the differential moves some but the travel seems kind of limited, I can't recall if there was more travel before
2) Clutches: Both are spinning and the input shaft to the differential (ME29) is spinning
3) Hubs/axles: I'm new to the forum but have seen lots of posts about spun hubs. So, I checked both castle nuts while revving the engine. Neither one is spinning. Hubs aren't wobbling either. Just to be sure, I jacked up the rear end to see how they behave. Was surprised to see that both wheels spin independently of each other and the input shaft. It's as if nothing is connected to each other. Even if it was stuck in neutral, I wouldn't expect the axles to spin freely of each other.

Thoughts? Could it still be a hub? A broken axle? Stuck in neutral?

Thanks

[1989Marathon]

The rearend has an open differential. It is possible for you to turn one wheel and the other remain stationary. Usually it will turn in the opposite direction unless there is drag on the other wheel.

When you shift from forward to reverse, do you see the shifting mechanism on the front of the rearend move? Is it fully engaging? Can you take ahold of it and engage it any further?

A broken axle would do exactly what you described, and you wouldnt see it until you took it apart.

[kgsc]

Look at the shift mec on the transmission and make sure the neutral safety didn't get kicked in. Spring loaded shaft that will keep it from moving completely.

[1989Marathon]

My ME29 transaxle has no such device.

[Rec3]

Kgsc - You're awesome. The spring loaded lock thing was the problem. I didn't even know it had something like that (pretty difficult to see on my cart).

Thanks all for the help.

[1989Marathon]

That's really good info. The dual-cable selector doesn't have that mechanism.

[big mule]

Originally Posted by 1989Marathon

That's really good info. The dual-cable selector doesn't have that mechanism.

My workhorse has dual shift cables & the neutral lock out .

[1989Marathon]

Originally Posted by big mule

My workhorse has dual shift cables & the neutral lock out .

It must be a Workhorse thing. My Marathon has the ME29 diff, and no lockout.

[kgsc]

YAY I got 1 right today 89, I just knew of this cuz my 99 Oasis had this and dual cables. It is built into the shift arm on the front of the tranny. Looks like this http://www.shopezgo.com/products/Dif...ral-Lock).html

[big mule]

Originally Posted by 1989Marathon

My ME29 transaxle has no such device.

I just checked and my workhorse definitely has the ME29 transaxle with dual shift cables & neutral lockout on it;I snapped a pic of the model tag but couldn't get a clear shot of the lockout because of the oil pressure line,wiring etc.. .