ok so i feel a little foolish asking this but where is reverse located in a f5 tranny every pocket i put it in the truck drives forwards. maybe its a problem in the gears or the fork in the trans?  

I think its up by 3rd gear. There's only four different places it can be. try each one and pull up on the shifter at the same time when you do.  

Or maybe push down  

Alright  here's the deal. I couldn't do this yesterday at work. I just went out into my shop and checked my '72 Ford with a compound 4-speed. Reverse is to the right of 3rd gear. Jockey the shifter around, up, down, whatever   but swing it wide. Don't worry about the slop, they're all that way. A Chevy is to the left of 1st.  

thanks for the info guys i do appreciate it!!  

i still can't  get it to back up but here is some more information about the trans. it was originally green the id numbers on it read WG  CO T8D-1A. it also has a PTO , and 6 round knuckles on the top of the trans. if that helps or if anyone has books with info on trannys i would appreciate it. thank you. the truck is a 52 ford f5.  

Maybe reverse is blown. Pull the PTO (or an inspection cover)off the tranny and have a look-see. Otherwise I suggest always parking where you won't need to backup.