Recently purchased a 97 E350 5.4 extended cargo van. Transmission shifts great but the fluid is somewhat golden/brown.

I have no idea on the maintenance history on this van so I am going to assume the fluid/filter were never changed.

Am I opening up a can of worms doing a fluid/filter change or is it a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils (old worn fluid vs disturbing particles on the fluid change)?

 

Disturbing particles with a fluid change is an urban myth. It doesn't happen.

Here's how to do it:
Changing ATF Fluid in a E4OD and 4R100 transmission .: Articles

 

Thanks Mark!