May be switching to an explorer... Possibly

[bilzy7]

I've had a grinding transmission for about 10k miles now. It would grind at low speeds if I gave it too much power. I learned to drive it nicely. Recently, well yesterday while I was doing laundry; the tranny kind of gave out in a way. I now have to go so light on the pedal, I almost have to roll to 15-20 mph to get it into second(it's automatic), then I'm ok. I'm no mechanic, so maybe someone can chime in and possibly be like it could be this. I was trying to make my wife buy the family car... But if this things going I may switch to an explorer.
I have called 3 salvage yards in my area so far and none have my 5r55e transmission for my 1999 4.0 auto 4x4. I can drive better on highway, so I can still possibly pickup the transmission myself. If I could find one...
The whole I can't find a transmission for my truck thing is what's pushing me towards a couple 98-00 explorers. I've seem a couple around with 110-130k miles for 2k-3.5k.
It only figures it gives out before Christmas and right when craigslist is dry of 4.0 tranny's in MA and NH. 3.0's aplenty...
I love this truck so I wish I could find one but, I may end up going expo...

I'm wondering what ford may say about it but I'm worried the tranny, if checked out, possibly dropped to look at; will stop functioning entirely. Like as if it's barely holding together and taking it off to check it won't work right again...
Thanks in advance for any tips...