Mark Whitters wrote:

> I have an 88 Vanagon GL 116,000 miles with a 3 speed
> automatic transmission. Recently the transmission was
> replaced with a used one along with a brand new
> differential. The van worked great for about 2 weeks
> of local driving. When I returned form a 2 hr drive
> yesterday I am experiencing a problem when I put the
> van in reverse. There is resistance , as if the
> parking brake was on, which requires me to apply allot
> of throttle to get the van to move backwards. When I
> let off of the throttle the van comes to a stop form
> the resistence, again as if the brakes were applied.
> The transmission fluid level is fine and I can feel it
> loading up when I put the gear selector into reverse.
> It doesn't feel like the trans is slipping, just allot
> of resistance coming from somewhere in the transaxle.
> I would appreciate any suggestions or advice.
>
> Mark
>
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There are transmission people on this list (Darrel?) and I am not one of
them, but here are a few thoughts anyway.

When a used automatic trans is put in sometimes debris is stirred up
which shortly finds its way into critical places like the valve body or
governor.  Since the valve body is in control of shifting it may be that
your trans is in two gears at once when you are trying to back up.  I
could be way off about this, but I seem to remember a similar problem
with my 84 some years ago.
  I welcome corrections from anyone more knowledgeable.

Larry A.