tranny issues

[Joe Dirte]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this site. I just picked up a 1999 Ranger XLT with about 150K. It has the 4.0, auto, four door, 4x4 with the switch on dash. There were a few minor issues. I did notice during the test drive that I did not feel a passing gear when I stomped on the go pedal. It also had a slight bump/jerk when I start off in Drive. Occasionally, I would feel that same bump/jerk as I rolled to a stop. The engine runs really smooth.
Recently I started seeing the O/D light flashing as I got up to 70 mph. The other thing now is I need to sit for a few minutes after I start the cold engine before I can take off. If I don't, it goes nowhere if I put in in gear. Engine just revs. Sometimes it will jerk into gear if I start out too early.
I have not changed out the tranny filter. The fluid looks okay with a slight smell of metal.
I plan on changing out the filter and fluid. While I'm in there, I will change out the valve body gaskets as well. I've read that can be an issue if it's blown out.
Anything else I should look at?

 

[longdx]

It could also be the vehicle speed sensor that is giving you the OD blinking light. This is located on the top of differential and very easy to replace.

Also the bump/jerk is probably coming from the slip joint (the two parts of the drive shaft that meet together)that may need to be regreased. The proper way to do this is to remove the driveshaft and re grease it. However there are alternate ways of doing it without removing the driveshaft.