I have gone frm a 4 speed to an auto. I have not had any experience with an auto , so may question may sound a littlebit like a no brainer. I have a 396 and a t350. I am looking at a hurst quarter stick. Question is, what does reverse and forward body mean? Thanks in advance.

That's inside the trans. Forward valve body is the way any stock auto shifts -- D 2 1.

Okay, I am was a mechanic in the Army for 11 years but worked on trucks that were about 10 tons and am now going to school for heavy equip and transportation tech. So as far as some of the terms used in the auto world are sometimes a little different than what I am used to hearing.....

That said, I am sure you are talking about the valve body. If you strip down the tranny it looks like an ant farm or a maze. It directs the fluid to the different valves to engage the clutch packs or bands to suit your driving situation.

Hope this helps a little, if it does I'm Jake, if not names Cleatus.