Here is the latest installment in the ongoing saga! I have noticed that the truck shifts hard from first to second. It also struggles to go into OD and slips sometimes, seems to slip most frequently going uphill. Would a flush help any of those things? Or am I starting down a slippery slope of no return

 

hows your fluid look? fluid probably will help, what year? if you got E4OD reading your codes might suggest something else as well

 

A flush-n-fill can't hurt. There are other things that could cause your issues though. Pull codes and see if there are any clues there.

Typical culprits could be TPS Sensor, RABS Sensor, VSS Sensor, MLPS Sensor. (and these don't always post a code!)

I've replaced each of those sensors on my truck, with no code for any of them, but noticed a huge difference with each sensor change.

Is the 1-2 shift hard all the time, or once in awhile?

 

it's a 94 with the 4R70W transmission. I pulled codes a while ago when investigating a speedometer problem (turned out to be a fuse) and I got 57, 332, and 452. I haven't pulled codes since then, but I expect the 452 would be gone as I replaced a fuse and the speedometer now works. the 1-2 shift is always hard.

 

I have gotten the impression that a proper transmission flush is something most do-it-yourselfers leave to the shops, is that correct? or can I tackle this on my own

 

a proper flush uses a machine to push new fluid in and pull the old fluid out while its running. dropping the pan only brings out like 2/3 of the fluid. i've heard of DIY kits, but have no experience with those

 

looks like you might have an MLPS issue

 

A proper change starts w/ running a can of "Transtune" for some miles before changing, to desludge/ desolve varnish & restore full flow to the Cooling Coil (C/C). "If" your converter has a drain plug (and you drain it), no reason not to service it yourself. Personally, I disconnect the tubes in & out going to the C/C, & clear w/ compressed air. http://www.seafoamsales.com/trans-tune.html (drivability usually improves while using Transtune, if your problem is fluid related)

On a side note. What the heck are you staring at in your sig. pic? Looks like you should add "Don't tase me Bro!!!"

 

is a MLPS something I can check myself? or is that the sort of thing that isn't checked but straight replaced when trouble is suspected

 

heh that isn't me in my sig, that's steve sutton. he was a well known vlogger before someone hacked his youtube acct and deleted all his files. He has taken several years off as a result, but rumor has it he has a new youtube channel where he has resumed vlogging. I use it as my avatar as a gesture of respect.