hmm I had assumed overdrive was out... theres no overdrive button on the shifter... it could be a three speed. Today i checked the fluid level with the engine warm and the car running, it was low on the minimum marker, i added 2/3 of a quart (all I had on-hand). It now does fine in reverse and the only hiccup in the forward shifting seems to be occasional roughness from 1st to second. thanks for all the advice, now its looking like an Aw71 swap may be my best option for my driving conditions (lots of steep hills and 65mph speed limits). After being away from these cars for almost ten years, its good to back in the womb with this wagoon and the community.