Transmission slipping?

[Drew11]

I have a 96 5.0 Eddie Bauer and the transmission seems to be slipping a bit. It does it mostly under acceleration and if you let off or punch it a little harder it stops. So now the $3000 question: I've read that if the fluid separates, it can cause shuddering/slipping feeling. Should I change the fluid or is the transmission starting to go out of it?

It just rolled over 143k btw.

 

[RickMar]

Hi Drew,
If you have done the routine transmission maintenance, I figure at 143K you still have 50K to go before the headaches start. Check the fluid and see if it is discolored or smells burnt.
If you have a TACH you could easily see the slippage of very rapid RPM changes throughout the questionable slipping range.
Just for giggles take it to a well known trans specialist, just to be on the safe side and money saver.
They will put it on a monitor for free or you can slip him a few bucks on the side to show your gratitude.
Good Luck,
Rick