Chrysler Repair: Voyager 3.3 1997 no reverse, gear shift linkage, servo repair

Question
hi, i have got no reverse on my voyager, i have changed the filter and fluid and still no reverse, i have also noticed while in reverse if i rev the engine up and then again the car backfires, it drives ok in D 3 L and does not backfire, also i have noticed that if i pump my foot brake the revs go up abit as soon as i stop the revs drop to 500 and sometimes it stalls, not sure if other problems are related to no reverse but i just thought i should mention them

Answer
Hi Peter,
From the gear selection choices that you mention, it appears you have the 3 speed non-electronic controller transmission, which at least is less expensive to rebuild compared to the 4 speed type!
The manual shows the following possible reasons:
hydraulic pressure too low     check pressure at the ports
low/reverse band work out  but you might think low would too
valve body malfunction    inspect
low/reverse band,servo,     repair low/revers servo, adjust
 linkage adjustment         band and linkage
Incorrect gear shift linkage    adjust
 adjustment
worn reaction shaft support rings      rebuild trans
worn front clutch                          "
work rear clutch                           "
planetary gear sets broken                 "
or seized

So there would appear to be a number of possibilities short of a rebuild. I would try to find a high quality independent shop to do the tests, hoping to not have to do a rebuild
On the brake pedal, I wonder if you might have a leak in the vacuum line from the intake manifold to the power brake booster. Check the fitting at both ends and any branches off of the line
Roland