My 97 Explorer periodically is slow to engage 1 gear from a stop. Otherwise, shifts normally through other gears and also engages reverse correctly. Fluid level is normal and no leaks.

Someone suggested the low/reverse servo might be leaking. I'm pretty good mechanically, but not much tranny experience. My questions are:

(1) if this sounds like a good candidate for the cause, is this a repair I can tackle? Can you do it by dropping the pan or does the tranny have to come out?

(2) since this is just occasional and mostly annoying for now, should I just ignore it or will repairing now avoid more costly repairs down the road?

Thanks in advance.

 

Thought I would dust this one off and see if anyone has similar experience and advice. Any help????? Thanks.