Our '91 Carat has been running splendidly for 6 or so mos now.  LAtely I've
been driving it to work because the seating position is better for my
recently wrenched back.

To the point:

I noticed some unusual sounds coming ffrom the back when starting from stop
this afternoon.  So minor I forgot about them when I got home.  Then loaded
the family into the van to go for a walk at the park.   Now I notice the
sound is louder - hard to describe, but reminds me of belts - only much
deeper.  The sound goes away at ca. 20 mph.  Go to a parking lot.  put her
in neutral rev the engine.  loud sound is gone - hmmm. auto tranny giving up
its ghost?  Have the wife rev the engine while in neutral while I check
around back - definitley some "bearing-like" sounds that I'm not happy with
that occurr about 2500 rpm.  Notice lft side head is wet.

All fluid levels are fine.

ATF level looks good

Flushed and filled cooland system in JUly (Blue VW juice - had green stuuf
of unknown provinance from PO).

Oil change in August (VW FIlter and Castrol 20W50)

New Belts (all 3) in August.

Drove her off and get the same loud sound (again like slipping belts, only
much deeper) from the dead start that goes away at 20-25 mph.  Another
"symptom": I did notice that the tranny acted a bit odd today when I'd slow
down (approaching a rough RR xing) - but not stopping - I'd give gas to
accelerate and the engine revs and gas peddle feedback feel like the car is
in neutral for a second and then the tranny "grabs".

So are the odds I can drive with a leaky head long-enough to recover from a
tranny rebuild?  Or does it look like I'm into replacing the entire
driveline?

Thanks in advance

'91 Carat 112,000 miles