i recently bought an 89 sr5 pickup it came factory with the v6 but the previous owner pulled it and put in a 22re with a 5 speed. it ran good for a week and now when i put it in first it spits, sputters and bucks and barely idles but if i put it in reverse the idle levels out and it runs like a new motor i could really use some help it is confusing me.

 

Any new symptoms to report?

It drives OK in reverse? Can you get it beyond 1st?