Hard shifting problem... IIRC '94, 4.0L, 2wd, auto

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Well, at long last I convinced a friend to get a Ranger... I know it's a 4.0L 2wd with an auto, pretty sure the year is a 94. He called recently saying that he had a couple problems (CEL that indicated a problem with the MAF and MAP sensors). About the same time the CEL kicked on with those problems, he said it began shifting hard.

Anyone know the possible causes of hard shifting in one of these??

I would take the thing for a spin and poke an probe things myself, but he happens to be living about 5-6 hours away right now so I'm looking for things that I can let him know to check into. I hate to see him turned away from Rangers because of something like this...

 

[Bruce]

Since its a 94 the tranny is not computer controlled except for 4th gear and lockup. I would have him check the vauum line from motor to modulator to be sure there is vacuum at the modulator.