I've got a '97 Ram 1500, 3.9 auto, the sticker under the hood says it's a standard duty 42re 4 spd. The previous owner said nothing of swapping or rebuilding it. The tranny delays about 3-4 seconds before getting in drive, but shifts to rev. fine. It also makes the first shift (when driving from a stop) very hard under light/normal driving, but normally when standing on it more, all other shifts are fine. The oil is a bit dark, but no burnt smell yet, and it's a wee bit overfull. It has 208,000 kms on it. It has the plenum leak, and needs a tune-up, but runs fairly well as is. Other then doing filter changes and band adjustments, tranny's are out of my comfort zone. Thoughts?

 

Do the filter, fluid, and band adjustment. While you are in there, pull the governor pressure sensor and solenoid, and clean them up as best you can. If they are REALLY cruddy, replace 'em. Also, if the check valve is still in the fluid line running to the bottom of the in-radiator cooler, get rid of it. (the check valve.)

 

x2......