hey guys and gals,

89 245 auto with 250k on it. 2 years ago i experienced difficulties shifting into reverse when engine warm (worked when cold). did flush and still had problem. lived with problem and waited to more $$$ fell into my lap. this winter a new problem cropped up. engine would wind out in first and i would have to drive mile or so till it shifted to second. once that happened i was good for rest of day. well, now it it is doing it all the time if i park car for longer than few hours. the wind out and then shift to second. it stays in first and won't shift to second even if i manually go from first to second. i've adjusted kick down cable to no avail. fluid is at correct level and a bit brownish after last summer's flush. the shifter has bit of play but not enough to be causing this i think. a bit of vibration too at maybe 40-50. new u joints and center bearing at 140k.

so what am i looking at here? rebuild? used tran swap? latter might be problem as the supply of salvagable 245's in alaska kinda limited. if i do need work, what kind of questions ( besides finding reputable shop)do i need to ask? rest of car in great shape, so i'd like to keep on truckin in this 245 with my limited $$$.

as usual, thanks to all
gary c.