Transmission roughness shifting between R-N-D?

[cfmistry]

My '02 4.4i has 97k miles and the fluid in the transmission has never been changed. It shifts as smooth as a dream between all forward gears 1-5. The issue comes in when I am shifting between Reverse and Drive. I always have my car fully stopped (brake in) while shifting between the modes, but recently I have felt like that transition has become a lot rougher. The car is almost lurching (you can at least feel a shake) when I shift from D to R or R to D, but not consistently. Has anyone else had symptoms like this? Any way to change this or just ride it out?

Thanks,
-Cyrus

[TriX5]

Minimum is to check whether the fluid level is still as it should be. Changing the fluid brings little it seems.

Good luck.

[imola38]

It could be some slop developing in the transfer case chain. The loading and unloading from directional changes would be felt when the slack of the chain is suddenly tightened. I've noticed a little more of this on my 4.6is as I get over 100k. I've seen a few members who have replaced the chains.

-Ben

[CharlieHustleX5]

Service your transmission by changing out the fluid and filter. Its a good time to do so and might even cure your current issue.