I would only want to drop the pan once myself so install a b&m drain plug setup and that way its less messy

 

Yea you could install new solenoids and adjust the bands. Install ATF+4 and purge the system, don't power flush. See if that helps.

 

+1 sometimes all the trans needs is a good adjustment and some fresh fluid.

 

i'm going to continue to play around with the TV cable until i can get the solenoids and tranny fluid and filter changed. I'll report back with the outcome once all of this is complete. here's hoping for that to be the final solution!

 

Ok so I managed to get the governor pressure solenoid, transducer, and OD solenoid replaced yesterday. Only took a couple hours total from the initial pan drop to getting it all buttoned up (with plenty of beer breaks in between ). I'm holding off final judgement on whether this finally solved my problem until I can put some miles on it in different driving conditions, but so far so good. Power transfer is much improved, all signs of the eratic shifts is gone, and everything just feels more like it should. Oh...and while I was on my test drive the transfer case linkage fell off. Found the linkage bar on the crossmember and the remains of petrified grommets. Fix one thing and another pops up. Isn't life grand? lol