I have a 97 RAM 1500 Laramie 2wd 5.2L 318 Motor. The truck struggles to down shift from 2nd to 1st. I have a link to a video showing the problem. It has a lot of miles on it, about 234,xxx. the tranny shifted hard in all gears before, especial up to 2nd gear. I would have to let off the gas in order for the tranny to shift from 1st to 2nd I don't know all that has or hasn't been done to the truck. I did change the rear freeze plugs. While I had the tranny down, I changed fluid, added Lucas, cleaned pressure sensor and solenoid, new filter and gasket. When i was done, the truck shifted smooth up and down, smoother than it ever had. Parked it and the next day it just about kills the truck down shifting from 2nd to first. Link to video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch1Euya-CcM

 

Did you adjust the bands while you were in there?

 

I didn't touch the bands

 

It looks a lot like TCC is engaging in second gear, and not releasing..... but, TCC shouldn't be engaging in second........

Do you have a scanner you could plug in, and see what it's doing there? (if you are getting TCC request at any time.....)

Might try cleaning the throttle body, and resetting the PCM, just for fun..... see if anything changes.