Transmission shifting hard into drive and reverse

[scumsb2]

Hello, how are you guys doing? I just purchased a 1988 bronco II, V6, with an automatic transmission, and push button 4 wheel drive. I live in Reno, NV where it snows a lot and is currently -2 degrees so I needed a good winter vehicle. Over the last month I have changed the head gaskets, starter, spark plugs, oil, filters, and installed a whole new stereo and headlights. It runs really good.

The last thing that I would like to fix on it is a transmission problem (if I can). I feel more comfortable working on the engine and components and have never worked on a transmission other than changing the fluid.

My question is everytime I shift into reverse or drive the transmission shifts hard into gear. There is maybe a 1 or 2 second delay and then it jolts/jerks into gear. The transmission shifts smoothly through all of the gears considering the year. It may shift a little harder in 1st gear if I am giving it some gas but overall it shifts really well. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing the hard shift into drive and reverse?

If you have any ideas can you explain to me how to fix the problem? Any help would be much appreciated, I know the people on these boards are experts.

 

[scumsb2]

Does no one on here have any ideas?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[hartwrenches]

trans

Your pump in the transmission is getting weak. It delays and then slams into gear because it has to build pressure. It has to have enough pressure to shift into any gear. Once its in first the pressure is up and the rest of the gear shift smoothly.

Changing the filter and using a good quality atf with a fluid conditioner ( like lucas ) helps, but one day the pump will need replaced. And at that point you might as well rebuild the tranny.