97 Dakota Wont move in reverse

proubly the torque converter

Go under the engine cover, and spray the shifter linkage and rollers for the shift detents. Do not force shifter into position, just wiggle shifter back and forth while observing shift linkage to determine the point of binding. Use lithium grease (spray) on all contact points and make sure no rollers are broken. Do not disturb ignition advance and throttle linkage. Just spray them too.

check linkinage

car wont move

what brand of fluid did you use?

the shifter linkage has become loose or shifted and not aligning properly, truck will only start in park or neutral.
the linkage needs to be realigned and repaired. this should be done at a professional level. the alignment is critical, if it is near shift point it can pop from park to reverse, or change gear suddenly causing an accident or transmission damage.

Check your fluid level to make sure its up to the specified level, then I'd be checking out your linkage from your shifter inside the car right to the transmission, it sounds like to me your linkage may be worn enough to put the vehicle in drive but not reverse. The linkage bushings are a common problem on vdubs. See if you can put the car in reverse by moving the linkage arm directly attached to the transmission (make sure you have someone in the car with the brakes on or caulk the wheels) if it does go into reverse when you manually move the direct linkage arm at the transmission then replace your linkage bushings, if not then the only other problem would be a transmission internal problem. Good luck

vdubs 4-ever

it may be a shifter linkage issue. There is an interlock to prevent the car from bouncing out of park into reverse and if the linkage is not correctly adjusted, then it locks up.

Was the fluid you drained red or black? did it smell like trans or gear oil? With linkage disconnected, could you put trans in park by moving the lever on the side of the unit? Oil condition is likely a separate issue...most "blown" transmissions generally have normal operation of shift, it just dosen't do what you tell it to. two things likely going on are: linkage problem and likely in need of fluid/filter change.

need to adjust the shift linkage