I have a question about a late 80's Ford Escort Wagon, 4 cyl. It was working fine until yesterday, when he got in and went to pull out of the driveway, the transmission would not engage. You can move the shifter, but the car will not move forward or backward. The fluid levels are fine, and there are no signs of burnt fluid. I believe it might be the input shaft or differential. What should I be expecting when I pull the unit. I am used to rear wheel drive, so this is new to me. And I am a girl none the less, so I will be using an engine hoist to support the engine when I pull the unit. Please help! :confused:

Did you make certain that the shifter cable is moving the shift arm on the transmission?
I'd try disconnecting the shift cable and moving the shift arm by hand to see if the trans will engage properly.
Only after that would I do the heavy work.
Let us know.