This is going to be long, so bear with me: I just bought a 1996 Ranger, 3.0 V-6, Auto with OD. The tranny fluid is dark, at least to me it looks dark (photo attached). I took it to AAMCO and was told that if the fluid had not been changed in a couple of years changing it now could cause more damage or it may not. The guy said it was up to me but he wanted to inform me so I could not come back on them.
I would like some inputs about this from ranger owners. If nothing else, I would change the fluid myself in the tranny and let the torque converter go, at least for now. As of now it shifts pretty good, the only thing is I get a little jerk sometimes when it shifts to high gear. Maybe that's because I have not owned a truck in many years and am just not used to it.
Comments, suggestions please.

 

Transmission shops have to say that if its obvious the fluid has not been changed for awhile or is dark because of slipping bands(brakes), or clutches

Its OK to change the fluid, if there is a problem it will show itself eventually but NOT because you changed the fluid and filter, its because the problem was already there

What happens is that people show up at a transmission shop with 250k miles on their trans that has never been serviced, and then after the new fluid and filter service, they start to have a problem...........and its of course because of the new fluid and filter, LMAO, not from 10 years of neglect
So all transmission shops will tell you, they can't warranty transmission with obvious issues

Change the fluid and filter