Thanks for the reply LMP. The guy at the transmission shop said he interchanged the diff between the 95 and the 97 so I am not too sure if this maintained the gear ratio. I do suspect that the problem lies within the transmission it self still.
The whole scenario took a worse turn yesterday. I got a call from the shop requesting my presence. They told me that the motor developed an engine knock and when I started the van I heard a gut wrenching knock close to the oil pan and my worse fear was proven, spun bearings on the #2 con rod.
This really bothered me because I changed the oil pan, gasket and cleaned the pickup stariner and installed a new gasket on it. I remember checking the con rod bearings for free play and did not find any needing attention.
This 3.8L motor has 220,000 KM and not having any previous issues what so ever, no knocking, leaking, frequent oil changes etc, I felt this was way premature for a spun bearing. At this stage I am not sure what to do, install a used motor and tranny??????
This van is fully loaded with all the luxury options available then, I will miss it if I have to send it to van heaven.
Thanks for reading.