94 Ranger Transmission help!

[lucid_dream2]

Hi,
I have a 1994 Ranger 4.0 4x4 with an automotic transmission, 127,000 miles. My transmission pan gasket was leaking so my dad changed it for me and also changed the filter. Yeah, I'm no wuss, I'm a girl so no wise cracks ok guys! Anyway, now when I put it in reverse to back out of my driveway it shifts fine, but when I put it in drive to go forward it acts like I'm in neutral for a few seconds before the transmission shifts. After that it seems to shift ok. I've only driven it a few miles because I don't want to hurt anything if there is a problem. What could be causing this? I've heard a few different things from technicians. Without looking at it, two guys told me I need a transmission rebuild and another guy told me maybe the o-ring where the filter goes is not in right. Before all this the transmission worked great. I was thinking of taking it to a garage to have it diagnosed, but I'm afraid they'll just tell me it needs rebuilt whether it does or not.
Thanks,

 

[RangerX]

I'd start with the simplest and easiest possibility, check the trans fluid level! maybe Dad did not fill it to the proper level. That would cause a delay in engaging drive.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[lucid_dream2]

HaHa yeah that was my first thought too. I took it for a short drive and then checked the fluid. It was within the cross hairs, but in the lower part so I added about half a quart to bring it up. That didn't change anything. I don't know if I have to drive it farther to get it really warm or not. Kinda afraid to drive it 'til I know what is wrong with it.

 

[RangerX]

lucid, I moved your thread into the Transmission forum, hoping it will get seen by more transmission-smart people.

 

[Tbars4]

..Not a transmission guy but there is something to look into that may have happened...

..Part suppliers have on occasion given out the wrong filter..

..The 4wd filter actually has deeper plastic sumps on it than the 2wd filter does...It would be worth a check to match the filters against each other and I believe there are 2 o rings for the filter..:scratch:

..The proper installation of the o'rings is very important and if not seated right could cause this issue.

..There is also a certain way to fill and check the transmission fluid level while going thru each gear then checking it in neutral..Perhaps someone here can add the procedure info or link you to it..

 

[JK080]

You could overfill it by a quart or two, if the problem goes away I would suspect a problem with the filter and or its o rings.

 

[lucid_dream2]

Thanks Rangerx, didn't know there was a transmission section. I checked the transmission fluid according to the owners manual which says to get the transmission warm, shift through all the gears, put it in part with the engine running and check it. I think the two o-rings Tbars is talking about is what one of the mechanics I spoke to was talking about. I'm just afraid if I take it to him, he'll tell me I need it rebuilt since that's what he does. If I could maybe find out what to look for, I can have my dad check the o-rings. I've always heard overfilling the transmission is a bad thing. Thanks for your help so far guys. I appreciate it.

 

[1992fordgreen]

Only two other things that I can come up with is either the OD or Intermediate bands needing adjustment, (if the Ranger has been messed with), or valve body botls that need to be re-torqued to 8 ft/IBS.

GL