I originally had a problem with a bit of a harse reverse engagement and very slow/delayed upshifting. The dealer just finished pulling the tranny apart and did the following services;

replaced solenoid pack
replace screen assembly
overhaul valve body
flush all lines etc
replace overdrive band (worn out apparently)
torque converter (this was done because of the rattle/knocking noise)

I got the truck back this week after a week in the shop the shifting is much better. I'm not sure what the overdrive band replacement had to do with the shifting problem since overdrive engagement was quite good. My worst shifts were 1-2 and 2-3, 2-3 being very slow/delayed. The shifting appears to have improved so I'll drive for a while now and see if it stays the same over time. I am still a bit disappointed with the up shift 2-3. It still seems to be a bit slow. 1-2 is very smooth. 3-4 and 4-5 are the best and fairly direct.

How does this stack up to some others who have the V8 4WD 5 speed auto models? Do all shifts feel similar or you some of you have some shifts being more direct while others are slower and smoother.

My old explorer (96 Limited V8 AWD) never had a tranny problem and had such good direct shifts. I really wish the new ones were more direct.

 

I can confirm that having one of these rebuilt / gone through by experienced hands makes all the difference.. My '02 Tranny went out at 54,000 miles, I opted for a new FoMoCo unit, it shredded @ 74,000... took it to a dealer, they tore it down, rebuilt it, installed new valve body, solenoid pack, etc.. and flashed the computer... it drives better now than it ever did. If they haven't updated the computer to the latest shifting algorithm, have it done... I've heard of others that have had the same positive experience I have with the update.

 

Having my tranny rebuilt as I write. Not a happy camper as it only has 58,000 miles on it. 4.6L Centennial Explorer. I'm a salesman so most of the miles are highway. I tow a boat 8-10 times a year. A $40,000 list price. I expect much better. This is my third Explorer and the worst one yet. had 191,000 on my '97 XLT before tranny rebuild. It seems the more money I spend, the worse the product is!

 

I hear you... you would think with all the resources that Ford has, they could build a damn transmission that would go longer than 60,000 miles! It's not just ford either, I understand other makes have had issues like this with various transmissions... it's just damned aggravating on an otherwise excellent vehicle.