On the transmission leak, also check the security of the dipstick tube. It may be flexing the grommet where it feeds into the tranny. Also, since it seems worse in reverse, it may be one of the hard cooling lines has worn through. The rubber in the clamps deteriorates and vibration wears a thin spot. I went through this same thing about a year ago. A new hard line is about $50.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )