The problem is that with the axles missing you have no way to stop the differential from turning. So as you put into park the parking pawl has to catch those spinning parts and stop that mass which it can only do by catching the notches with that pawl. You will only get to do this a few times before you destroy the disc or even bend the pawl. Except for the weight of the van you are doing the same thing as putting it into park while the van is moving. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of C. Abney
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2016 1:40 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: plz help! post 090 rebuild, weird metal stress noise shifting into park

So I completed the rebuild, replaced the tranny/diff on the engine, reassembled all except the axles.

Now I've filled it with fluid (gowesty's atf cooler--still empty from the flush--has yet to open, probably) and run 'til it's warm and put it through the gears to fill the valve body ways. No leaks, the drive line behaves as expected for a successful rebuild.  I'm about five quarts in, and the (warm) fluid comes up to minimum on the dipstick.

But when I put it into park I get a rusty gate sound for about a second.  This doesn't grow less loud or long with repetition. Looking at the internals of the tranny, I'd say it's good as new, no wear at all.  pictures made during disassembly are here for reference:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B62_BQnCIJQ6VmtLTVZ5NmthNms

(I'm sure I marked that directory shareable, let me know if it is otherwise.

What is it?  I'm scared, since I've never even lookekd inside a AT before, or any transmission.  Any clues from the experts in this mob of experts?

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