Ok, this isn't too bad. I'm thinking, which always causes trouble.

This transmission is clean (outside). It was either pulled and cleaned before being sold or (my hope) it was cleaned prior to installing the shift kit that is supposed to be in it. I'm hoping the second option because the 1st->2nd shifts are nice and clean, no slip at all, but not harsh either.

I say all this as a preface to my question. For those of you who remember, there is no reverse and shifting from 2nd to 3rd causes fluid to be pumped out the dipstick tube. Is it possible that improper installation of the shift kit could cause these symptoms? I know there's a check ball on a path for reverse, and my book mentions that as one of the things to check if you have no reverse. Maybe that (and/or something else very simple) causes my problems.

Anyone want to venture any guesses? I'm going to pull the tranny soon, so we'll see.

Did you ever get your trans issue resolved? I had posted a thread about fluid puking out the top of filler tube also....Not really sure if mine was when shifting 2nd to 3rd though....seemed to do it once I got back home. Still haven't figured mine out .....