What I found in the Transmission Pan

[mdlongo]

I believe I found the servo strut and the mating tab on the band in the transmission pan after dropping the pan and the VB. When I removed the VB, that servo also fell out (not sure if that's normal).

History:
The Explorer has the infamous 2nd-3rd gear "flare" issue. It first started when I accidentally switched the transmission into "drive" from "neutral" with the engine revving a bit high. Since then, I always have the 2nd-3rd gear "flare", and after driving for a little while (anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes), the O/D light starts to blink.

Since the 2nd-3rd flare is the only issue with the transmission, does this indicate that the "intermediate" band is the one that broke?

If not, what might be the issues?

(I just need some direction, and I can probably find a thread here to help me with the repair.)

Thank you

Info:
1999 Ford Explorer Sport, 4x4, V-6
215,000 miles (I've only driven it for 15,000 miles)
My best friend is the previous owner, and he always took it to the dealer for regular maintenance.

 

[PopRichie77]

The reverse servo is what comes out when you remove the cover and the VB. If a band is broken there would be gears ratios missing. Broken band means it has to come out and be taken apart, rebuild time.

 

[Jack Flash]

more than a few I have worked on have dropped the anchor off the OD band & the OD band was broken. it's the only one I've seen that actually falls into the pan like mdlongo stated.
,
,

J...been right a time or two

 

[1992fordgreen]

Almost sounds like the transmission was under high pressure inside. Which caused the servo's to disinagrate into the transmission pan.

Which makes you wonder, has the Explorer ever been overfilled with trans fluid?

Whether your Explorer has 200+ thousand miles, or sponge Bob square pants is at the theater, your transmission needs a rebuild.

I would say "Just fix whats broken!" but that's just delaying the inevitable.

Heck, LIFE is delaying the inevitable. Lol.