98 Sport - Problem uphill only.

[ramhawks]

First post for me here - Recently picked up a 98 Explorer for my son. Manual with 4.0 OHV, 138,000 miles. Appears to be in pretty good shape except for one problem which I've been trying to isolate. When driving uphill and shifting from 1st to 2nd, there is some hesitation/roughness. Also occurs from 2nd to 3rd. Problem is intermittment, which makes it more difficult. Dealer checked out the car a months ago and didn't find the problem (don't think they spent much time trying). Dealer changed plugs, wires, filters, etc. I'm no mechanic, but sounds like it may be searching to go into AWD and slipping, whether it be a problem related to the clutch, tranfer case differential or other. Anybody have this problem or have some advice?

Thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 95-01 section. Did you replace the transmission fluid & filter?