Bought a 98 1500 Laramie 2 wheel drive w transmission problems. runs fine in foward, but just doesnt move at all in reverse. any idea what the problem might be in the transmission?

Faulty trans sensors. Sensors working properly and detecting problem. Wire harness problems. oil level very low.

bad transmission maybe. Try going into a lower gear (2 or 1) and giving it a little gas and holding it there. (about 2500 rpm) Hold it there for about 30 seconds.
If it still doesnt move, look under at the side of the transmission where the shifter cable connects and make sure it is moving.
Make sure the brake is on and the wheels are blocked and have a friend shift it back and forth while you look.
Sometimes, the connection pin comes out and you wont shift. .
If it does move right away, head to the transmission shop.

PROBLEM COULD BE IN THE 4WD SWITCH IS FAULTY OR THE SWITCH WIRING SHORTING TO GROUND

Check fluid level with engine running! Does it have or do you see fluid under,or all over the transmission?Refill if needed!

The transmission cable may not be hooked up properly...needs to be re adjusted at the transmission end.

transmission

check under truck drivers side at transmission linkage may need an adjustment or is binding--

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

The torque converter has gone out.

if you drive the car with the shifter in d1 and while driving down the road move the shifter to up shift the foward gears individually if the rpms drop every time you up shift you know your trans shifted if this allows you to go through all gears you have an ecu problem if the car still doesnt shift you have a trans problem and would need to take the car to a transmission shop