I have a craftsman lawn tractor model #917.272461. It starts and will go in reverse but not forward. I have replaced the drive belt but that did not help. Any suggestions before I tear it apart?

Not familiar with model #'s, but is this a hydro are gear model? Have you checked at the idler plate to be sure the spring is attached or not broken This is what keeps tension on drive belt.

Yes it is a hydro gear. The spring is attached. I also checked the levers and motion control. The clutch, idle pulleys and belts are fine. It goes like a bat out of hell in reverse :)

I have a craftsman lawn tractor model #917.272461. It starts and will go in reverse but not forward. I have replaced the drive belt but that did not help. Any suggestions before I tear it apart?
I own a craftsman #917.252540 tractor and I had a similar problem but mine would go in forward but not in reverse.I tore the transaxle down and found the selecter lever had jumped out of the shift collar. My transaxle is a peerless . It's ajob not for the faint of heart. Goodluck