1st shift always really hard

[pyro4ik]

2005 4.4, runs great. The only really annoying and concerning thing is that the first shift is delayed a bit and then hits really hard. Anyone know what the deal is?

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[AV8R4AA]

Have you ever done a filter and fluid change?

[edogg]

This is a common problem on the ZF transmission.

In addition to a fluid drain and fill (I'd avoid a full flush if you're approaching 100k miles) and filter change, there is a software update which can help.

I had my indy shop apply the software update and the hard shift went away. But now the transmission feels like it's in sport mode all the time by holding on to gears longer and I've lost 1 mpg.

[kvc]

I read from another member (Q I believe) that the ZF is designed to 'warm-up' the AFT by holding on to 1st when the vehicle is cold. You can either warm-up the trans (idle for a couple of minutes) or use sport-shift for the first change, then all should be okay from then on. At least that's my experience.
As edogg has said, there's also a flash or software update that is supposed to address some issues. Not done this yet, but will be doing so in the near future.
In regard to the transmission service - there are two schools of thought. Personally, I believe in the merits of undertaking a service (drop AFT, pan, clean, new filter, flush twice), however there are others that think you could dislodge some particles and cause problems. I recommend you check out the ZF site for more info first, then decide for yourself.

[Qsilver7]

Ditto kvc...if this only occurs on a cold start...it is probably the engine warm up cycle. You can let it do its thing and stay below 2K RPM & 25 MPH for up to 3 minutes as everything warms up...or if you need to scoot on down the road because of circumstances that won't allow you to take it easy for those 1st 3 minutes...just put the gearshift lever into the sport slot (or manual mode if you're feeling "shifty" )...and it will cancel the warm up cycle as well as the hard shift from 1st to 2nd when owners try to "drive" out of the cycle (usually not knowing what's going on).

Also remember that even if you "warm up" the vehicle by letting it idle for only a few minutes...only the cats, coolant & oil is being warmed...the oil in the front & rear differentials, tranny, and transfer case is still cold since the vehicle is stationary.

BTW, when this occurs on either of my BMWs (e38 or e53) I let the warm up cycle do its thing (if no other neighbors are behind me as a leave in the morning)...and by the time I get to the main road coming out of my addition...the engine & cats have warmed up and the tranny has shifted. And along with this, heat from the HVAC system starts blowing (warm air) within a mile. And this is with no extended idle time...I start the car, buckle up, check the mirrors, then shift into R to back out of the garage.