1995 ford van --won't start out in drive have to shift into 2nd gear to take off then to 3rd -- replaced tranny & same thing happening. Blew that tranny - so I put another tranny in - same problem think in its not the tranny but maybe a sensor or computer problem -this is the year before they went full blown computer read out .... Anybody got any ideas

 

Yes, I have ideas. I think something is wrong. With all the specifics in your post that's all I can say with any confidence.

If I knew what engine and transmission you have I'll bet I could get much more specific. And I have no idea what you mean by the year before full blown computer read out. All automatics in 1995 were 100% computer controlled.

 

Run your VIN# in one of the free searches to nail down the year of manufacture. Case in point, I bought a 1993 E150 (as described on the title) and discover it was a 1994.
VIN Decoder

 

Is the ABS light on? Either way, check out the speed sensor mounted on the rear differential. If it is badly gunked up replace it and if that fixes the problem, open and inspect the rear end for damage. I just went through a "sorta" similar issue on my 94 Chateau and the speed sensor going wonky effected shifting not too different from your problem. Led to my finding problems in the rear diff.

 

Sounds like its going into "limp home" mode.

 

Sounds like the PSOM is out in the speedometer cluster. Wreaks havoc in the transmission trying to drive it.

 

I had tranny trouble, too. I just made him go put on a prettier dress and heels.....

...Oh, wait a darn minute, you are probably talking about transmission problems! Just ignore that first line.

All assholiness aside, I had a similar problem with getting my '95 started a year ago or so. It turns out that the cable to the transmission is attached to the transmission selector shaft with two screws. One of the two had backed out then fallen out completely; the other was still attached but just barely. Reinserting and tightening those 2 screws fixed my problems.

I know, I know. The chances of that being the fix for the OP are infinitesimal. But what could it hurt to check?

 

I was going to lead off with: If you don't want tranny trouble, stay away from trannies !

 

"this is the year before they went full blown computer read out ...."

= OBD-II

 

The original poster was obviously not interested in any of our answers. He's never been back.

 

If I ever had/have transmission problems I hope you're the first person to answer!

 

"The original poster was obviously not interested in any of our answers. He's never been back."

Either that or someone's answer helped him figure out his problem and he ain't polite enuff to say thanks. So, now he's toolin' down the road, waiting to blow another tranny .....uh, transmission.

 

There wasn't enough information to give any useful answer. The only "solution" I saw above was to check the speed sensor. That can't cause the problem the OP has.