A slipping auto (who would have guessed?)

[tweakedlogic]

Let's just start out by saying I hate automatic transmissions. Every vehicle I have owned has been a manual ever since my 77 skylark had an auto.
My explorer is a 5 speed, however I bought a running 2wd auto for $625 from a guy I work with. He used it for a work truck. He drove it to work almost every day, even after the transmission trouble started. He claims it was rebuilt by a shop a little over a year ago. I think the shop only did a soft parts rebuild. Then about 4 months ago, Norris had taken the tranny out and pulled it apart himself after it stopped going into reverse. I have no idea what he did in there, but he was able to get it into reverse again. But it still slips.
I bought it to swap power doors and leather seats into mine and resell... for a profit.
I am considering rebuilding the tranny myself. I am very mechanically inclined, and I feel confident in my abilities to take this apart and put it back together. (properly)
So let me briefly describe the trouble. It slips... But not if you manually change the gears. If I start out in 1, then shift to 2, and D, it does fine. Although I hear a noise similar to a low fluid power steering pump that isn't the power steering.
I was thinking of getting this kit...
#K15. Combo Kit
http://www.transmissioncenter.org/a4ld.htm
It seems to come with everything and then some. but i was thinking of adding the: #S3. Oversize Torque Converter Clutch Modulator Sleeve and Plunger Assembly.

Do you guys think it's worth it? I would like to get as much money as possible for the truck, but I don't really have the space, and I might be able to squeeze in the time for it. but I don't know if it's worth it.
Another option is to buy a used tranny. will one from a mustang work? I know these were pretty popular trannies for Ford. Are there any other models I could pull from?

What do you guys think? If I should go for it, is there anything else I might want to add to this overhaul besides a TC?
Thanks, sorry I was long winded.

 

[Jack Flash]

the growling noise is most likely your front pump. possibly the person took it apart from the bellhousing and did not align it properly. or, the pump is starving for fluid due to a stopped up filter or valve body.

it's really tough to diagnose the true problem(s) without being there. have you done a presure check yet. lots of stickies at the start of this explorerforum section that can help you narrow down the problem(s).

,,,,,,,,jjf

 

[tweakedlogic]

No I haven't done a pressure check yet. I just picked it up yesterday.

I looked through alot of those stickies, that's why I'm asking the guys with the knowledge. Having never taken apart an auto, I am very ignorant. If fact, when people come to me asking about tranny problems, I tell them to sell the car and buy a manual. That's what I do, normally.
I doubt it is a clogged filter if he had it rebuilt a year ago. I was thinking it might be the valve body since I can shift it manually. The pump alignment had occurred to me.
I might be leaning towards buying a cheap rebuild or used tranny. I can easily swap it. I haven't had a chance to price them yet though.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[tweakedlogic]

nobody has any thing else???