i can shift it as is into 1 or 2 and i notice a difference in gearing so it can use them, as far as the automatic mode starting gear that im not sure of. perhaps it is starting in second gear due to first gear damage?

 

i would have to agree with zman17, probably taking off in second gear, which is safe mode. It should have a tansmission code if its taking off in second gear, I have heard of this probllem before, dont remember what they did to fix it but i believe it had something to do with snap ring breaking letting internal parts get to much clearance, jmo

 

at that point i would ask. whats better? keeping it in safe mode or forcing it to use a first gear with a broken snap ring?

 

Fixing the trans would be the best plan. Certainly not the cheapest though....

 

fixing the trans is out, i plan to drive it till i buy a 2500 or untill it stops working.

 

Start looking for another truck fast then. If it has a broken snap ring and it's already in limp mode, it won't last long.

 

well its done 34K miles from MN to WA and back with this broken ring, its also towed 3 of u-hauls largest trailers and been used for much stump pulling (in 4 low) and recovery work. it has not gotten any worse aside from its hiccups from time to time. i seem to recall out in WA it would refuse to shift from time to time as well. i think i just kept driving untill it would