I have a 2001 Ranger edge with the 3.0. It has 90,000 and the transmission fluid was changed by the previous owner at the Ford dealer at 69,000 miles. Also the Valve Body was replaced in 2004 just as the warranty expired, it was covered.

It doesn't ever happen on flat ground, or when the engine is under heavy load, but when the engine is under moderate load and you start driving up a hill, any kind of a hill it bogs down and starts to ping and rattle. Eventually it will shift and start to run smooth again. I even tried turning OD off and driving it but it still did the same thing. So that means that it isn't just getting hung up in 5th gear, it is something else. I need some ideas.

 

I assume its to complicated for anyone to even guess.

 

you need an expert to check it for you....

 

Did you find a Solution for this problem? I'm facing the same exact issue as you describe