I just did a rebuild on my 1994 ford bronco with a e4od. It delays engagement in reverse. When I put in OD, manual 2nd and manual 1st it defults straight to second gear.

What could be the problem?

 

I once had very weak reverse after adding a shift kit in my trans, I found out it was the result of not tightening the valve body well enough. In your case is sounds like an electric signal problem, so I would retrieve codes to see what's the transmission receiving, it could be a sensor problem. But before anything more profound, unplug the transmission and clean the solenoid pack connector very well (it's the only connector going to the trans), then plug it and drive the truck, see if the condition went away. Maybe it's something as simple as having that plug loose.

BTW, welcome to FTE! I hope you enjoy it here and find what you're looking Ford (saw what I did there? ).

 

I just replaced the MLPS sensor and conector no change. Cleaned the solenoid pack connector no change. Ran codes. Did both koeo koer tests. Only got one code 172. O2 sensor lean. Would that have anything to do with it?

 

Usually the only 3 sensors that could be affecting the trans are the Manual Lever Position Sensor (MLPS, located to the side of the transmission), Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS, located above the rear differential), Throttle Position Sensor (TPS, located to the side of the throttle body). Apart from that, the instrument cluster (PSOM) can affect the function of the transmission. Check those I mentioned and the solenoid pack plug, then I would look at the wiring itself, and finally the ECU.