4R55E in 96 Explorer w/4.0 Low pressure in Tranny? Need pump info

[Josh B]

Just bought a 96 Explorer with what appears to be a well cared for 4.0 engine. The transmission shifter is definitely out of adjustment but I think I've found the cure for that in the shift linkage adjustment in an old Haynes manual, but I've yet to put it on stands(probly in the next few days). Reverse engages appx where Neutral should be, and Drive much farther around.
The fluid looks relatively clean, no burnt smells or visible contaminants.

I've read a lot of threads the last few days about low pressure shifting issues and believe that to be the problem. It takes a bit to get it to grab on, and in reverse is the worse, but with some rpm's it will take hold. I'm not yet certain which gears it's in(maybe 1st-2nd, may be 2nd to 3rd) when I first can identify a shift, but it must reach relative high rpm's (near 3000) to do it. There doesn't seem to be any slipping, just slow to shift.

So far I've got a filter kit and some fluid, but in my reads I've seen a lot about pumps being a low pressure issue.

Are those pumps accessable from the underside? Which one/s should I address? Are there other things can be done while the pan is off to improve its operation?

Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions

 

[Dirtman]

Your first problem is the shift indicator adjustment. I'd fix that, tighten the column tube, and adjust the range sensor and cable before going any further. Might just be all out of whack causing the shifting issues.

Secondly, the pump can only be serviced via removing the entire transmission. It's at the front of the trans where the torque convert slides in. And if your replacing a pump you might as well rebuild the damn thing.