I have a 97 XLT 4.6L with about 195,000 miles. Lately it shifts hard from first to second, mostly after starting from a stopped condition. Almost like it revs too high and then all of a sudden "drops" into second. I've owned the truck for about 3.5 years now and have never had the tranny flushed or fluid replaced. Is it possible that getting a flush or changing the fluid would help the hard shift or am I looking at a more serious problem?

 

I'm not a trans guy, but I'll take a SWAG and guess that the 1-2 accumulator spring may be broke. Someone better in the know will be able to give you more info though.