since i picked up my solar yellow 99 dakota r/t, 5.9 auto, 3.9 to 1, at the mopar nats i have driven it almost 1000 miles and getting to know the truck well. whats happening is the trans seems to be trying to find gears. not slipping, just taking time to find gears, mostly 1st to 2nd. if i baby it theres little issue. i googled the problem and it is a very popular thing. the most viable answer was something about the governer pressure senser. i am a 36 year auto mechanic (20 at a ford dealership) but not much to do with auto trans other than maintainance. any ideas. i hope to do this on the cheap if possible.

The usual drill is to replace the governor pressure solenoid and the governor pressure sensor as a pair....these are both bolted to the bottom of the valve body and are easy to access once the pan is off.

While you're in there it's a good idea to replace the filter and adjust the rear band.

thanks. i appreciate that. easy nuff.