engine problem, no noise, just no acceleration, tranny issue also

[ArtMerkl]

My 1996 Ford Explorer engine decided to act like a prom queen asked to undress on a float -- it just stopped running well about 1500 miles when pulling a trailer slowed to about 20 mph, and without trailer about 35 mph on straightaway -- neither engine nor motor race, smell a lot of gas
It is the 4.0L, V6 engine, and only has about 50,000, mainly highway miles. only drive 3,000 to 4,000 miles a year

Tranny has always had issues shifting to higher gear, I generally just leave my foot off the gas at about 25 - 30 mph and it shifts fine, but now, with the car not going fast, it is virtually impossible to shift to a higher gear.

 

[blueoval9erlifer]

seems a little early for it but maybe your cat clogged up i had it happen at 65,000 miles took it apart and knocked the insides out ran great after that.