Recently got my '96 F-150, 5.8L, auto trans. The truck drives great and I'm really happy with it, but I did notice one thing.

If I'm stopped, say at a light, and then go, I noticed that it shifts "hard" from first to second gear. It doesn't sound bad or cluncky, but it definitely shifts hard going from 1st to 2nd. Shifting in between the other gears is fine. I don't notice anything like that.

Is this something I should worry about? I've heard that Fords have a tendency to "shift hard", is this what some people are referring to?

I believe the previous owner did tow with it...did wear and tear from that cause what I am talking about?

Thanks for any help,
DJ

 

Previous owner may have installed a shift kit or has a chip burned for it. Does the shift feel firm and solid or does feel harsh like its jumping

 

My 94 shifted hard from 1st to 2nd when I got it with 68000 miles. It still does with 160000. All I've done is have the tranny flushed every 35000. I used to work for a rental car company and could tell you horror stories about what the service agents put the E4OD through. It's almost bulletproof.

 

Also have your codes scanned. Mine shifted so hard when I first got it it barked the tires. Have an HONEST transmission guy ( only other person I will trust with a wrench on my trucks ) and it ended up being the electronic module on the side of the transmission had failed. $125.00 including flush/filter and new gasket installed.

Good Luck

 

My truck has a nice firm shift from 1st to 2nd too. Feels healthy to me. 1990 5.8 E4OD