Chrysler Repair: 3-speed automatic whines, only moves in reverse, differential gear, valve body

Question
my sundance was making weird whiny noises almost like a pump then i went to drive it again and it only goes in reverse my best bet is the transmission pump... what would you have to say

Answer
Hi Brendan,
It could be the pump, or the rear clutch, or low trans fluid level (so check for that), a valve body problem, or other seal problem. It could well be diagnosed be removing the 3 pans (sump, differential, gear) and looking for debris which would suggest internal damage requiring R & R, or if no debris present then remove and clean the valve body, and/or check the pressures of the pump.
At least you have the 3-speed automatic that is much less expensive to rebuild than if you had the 3.0L and the electronic transaxle. So that is one bright spot.
Roland