Supposed to feel transmission shifting?

[MistahYebba]

On my '05 Explorer, when driving and steadily accelerating, I can feel when the transmission shifts from say, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, etc.

How many gears does this thing have to shift to?

Are you supposed to feel it shift?

It doesn't feel like a clunk, a bang, a grind; nothing like that.

I just feel the truck lose a little bit of speed, and then it starts gaining some acceleration power again in the new gear.

This just takes a second to happen, but I imagine if I am revving high, it would feel a little bit more noticeable.

Should it shift seamlessly with no slow-down?

The truck is new to me. I just bought it used. I do not know the actual condition or what maintenance has been done on the transmission.

What can I do to check on my transmission health, and increase its life in the long run?

 

[Tech By Trade]

Yes, its a 5 speed. I would drop the pan, change the filter, fluid it up, and adjust the bands. It would probably smooth it out a bit.