trans failing?

[WillXLT98]

Alright guys, my '98 auto 3.0l has had some weird shifts since i bought it back around fall. I finally realized that transmission fluid was leaking into my coolant (through the trans-cooler inside the radiator) after i started noticing the hard shifts more frequently. I replaced my radiator and now have no more leak, along with changing out all coolant and trans fluid.
However, i still have a really nasty 2-3 shift. As in, the rpms will fly up 300-400 before hammering back into gear. Other than that, the rest of the shifts seem ok, if not a little better than before. I'm just not sure if i can put in some Lucas trans fluid stop-slip or something and let it go, or if i should look at getting it overhauled or a new one before it locks up on me?

I hate transmissions... they seem too complicated.

 

[Bruce]

Here's the catch if the tranny fluid was leaking into radiator then there is a possibility that coolant was leaking back into transmission and if the happens the antifreeze will take the friction material off of the clutches and slipping will take place.

 

[WillXLT98]

Ok, thats what i was thinking too.. hoping not though lol.
So what would you suggest?

How hard is to swap to an M5OD?

 

[exbass94]

That shift flare is a common problem for these trannys. Check out this thread.

 

[Bruce]

They also had EPC(electric pressure control solenoid) problems also and there is an updated solenoid...By the way hows reverse?

 

[WillXLT98]

That EPC is pretty interesting, as it does fit into my problem. My dad's an engineer at Ford so he said he's gonna check with some of his buddies down there and see what their input is.
Reverse is fine, as far as i can tell. Should i be looking for something in particular?

Sooo... ima thinkin, as long as i have to get into the valve body, what about a shift kit?

Btw, you guys rock. I'd be looking at a rebuild or a new trans if you guys weren't here to bug. I just hope it's that simple.