> What is the purpose/function of the circular metal plate next
to the
> driver's side CV joint, towards the front of the van?  It's
held on by a
> metal wire, so to speak, and appears to be on the side of the
> transmission.
> On my '86 GL, fluid is leaking from it.

automatic or 4-speed?

on the 4-speed, there's a smaller round (sort of) thingie forward
(toward driver) and above the axle/cv-joint connector. it should
have the reverse switch sticking out of it. it covers a 'shift
shaft' .. don't know what it does, but it has a spring in there,
so if you take it off, you might wanna be very careful!!!

on the automatic,  there's an almost circular thingie that is
held in with a large c-clip. it covers the '2nd gear brake band
piston'. that's what bentley sez. :)

joel