KEBOWERS, thanks for your thoughtful reply. If the problem is the torque convertor shaft seal would the heavy leaking only occur in reverse and only when the transmission is "cold". The thought that the seal is hanging up is intriguing since after warm up and driving forward the leak stops even in reverse. Another odd thing is that when I check the fluid with the engine off and transmission cold the reading is above the highest mark- overfull. Is there a possibility that I overfilled the transmission and the leak is from an overflow valve if any?
The problem actually started after I replaced the filter. I was not pleased with the way the filter connections fit. Is there a possibility that the filter was the wrong one and is not seated correctly? Thanks for your input.

John