I have a 98 xlt explorer with 95k miles that I bought used. When I shift into reverse, it hesitates for a second or two before going. It only does this in reverse. Otherwise the tranny seems fine. Someone told me that this is normal on explorers. Is that true or am I facing trouble.

No, it is a common condition. Nothing overwhelmingly serious. Usually it is related to the seal on the "low/reverse" servo... however one fellow on here (Ben) is trying to solve his slow reverse engagement and has done just about anything and everything (including replacing that seal) without success. Your slow engagement isn't hurting anything..... just be patient (g). We'll see how Ben finally cures his.

Mine does this too, but only until it warms up. Once it's been driven a mile or two, it shifts fine. My issue with this is that it bucks when it goes into Reverse after the delay, like it's suddenly engaging and loading the driveline up.

Well, that is good news. Mine also bucks when it first shifts. I've only had it a few days and so far I really like it.

the "buck" you describe can also be a sticky boost valve.....reverse in the A4LD/5R series has its pressure "boosted" which is accomplished by a valve in the valve body... I did a thread on "Using a Transmission Pressure Gauge" and you can actually see the higher pressure in reverse on the gauge. A sticky valve could cause such a jolt, as could a plugged accumulator (an acculumator is either a puck with a hole in it or a hole in the separator plate that causes a shift to build pressure more slowly so it isn't bone jarring. Plug em up and you can get a faster pressure rise and hence bone jarring shift, or perhaps a more "firm" one" (in the "apply" side of the equation).

[Note: Not every hole in the plate is an accumulator hole]

I had the same problem on my 2000 XLT (V8) and the dealer found that it was a bad seal from the tranny to the tranny cooler so the fluid was running low. I would check that first if your truck has one - if you do it yourself it is fairly cheap (rubber hose and clamp).

A good point. ALL too often we assume. How IS your fluid level?

my 91 one does that too, even my 01 sport has that problem," its an explorer thang, you just wouldn't understand"

Umm, I don't want to disagree with a majority, but when I got my truck, it had the slight delay in shifting from D to R and vice versa. Turned out the transfer case flange was worn out and the teeth on it were slipping, which kept the tranny from shifting immediately like it should. You may get that checked out, though you better know what you're doing if you're going to mess with a transfer case. I had mine fixed at Ford under warranty. $460 if it wasn't for the warranty.