1990 4.0 v6 Idling/Shifting problems

[allenjweston]

My truck:
1990 Ford Ranger, 4.0 v6, automatic transmission, 4x4, ext. cab, 115,000 miles

The problem:
First off, my truck will start and immediately spit and sputter to stay running. When I put the truck in gear, it sometimes shifts right away, and sometimes it won't shift until I give it some gas and get the rpm's up, making a rough, jerky shift. Even at lower speeds, I will let off the gas, letting the truck coast, and when I press the gas again, it will take up to 5 seconds for the transmission to shift back into gear, and let me accelerate. Also, on the freeway my truck will show the temp. on the HOT side of the gauge, making the check engine light come on, then 10 seconds later, the gauge returns to normal and the check engine light goes off. I put some stop-leak in the radiator, because I could smell a small antifreeze leak. Also, the transmission fluid was a little low, so I topped it off, but the problems are still there. Any ideas?

 

[sholzy]

When was the last tranny fluid and filter change?

 

[allenjweston]

When was the last tranny fluid and filter change?

I am honestly not sure. I have only owned the truck about 5 months. Is this something that's not too hard to do, or would it need to be taken to a shop?

 

[sholzy]

It's not difficult to do, can be a little messy though.