96 Explorer XLT V8 Transmission Problem

My '96 Explorer XLT V8 with 90K miles recently started having gear shifting problems, only between 1st and 2nd gear. Beyond 2nd gear, it seems to be fine. I've found 2 ways to get around it...accelerate in 1st up to ~4K RPM at which point it will shift, or accelerate in 1st up to ~2.5K RPM and then ease off the accelerator at which point it will shift. Transmission fluid level and color are both fine. This car was in a front end accident 18 months ago, with little engine damage...but that may be contributing.

I took it to a local shop and got the worst-case diagnosis that I need a transmission replacement/rebuild (est ~$3.5K). I was hoping it would only require a shift linkage adjustment or something much smaller than a replacement/rebuild. Based on the limited info I've supplied, are there options I should explore other than transmission replacement? Are there questions I should be asking to determine whether replacing the transmission is the right call? I'm having the exact same problem with my 2002 Ford explorer. You explained my problem to the T. Brought it to the mechanic and was told that the band??? broke (I am a technical feeb).

My prognosis was a little better though. I was quoted $1500. I have yet to have the work completed...so I have my fingers crossed. My 1995 Explorer just started slipping. I dropped the tranny pan and found big chunk of metal. I brought this piece to local tranny shop and he told me it was a broken band strut. Bottom line is $1800 rebuild.

i had the same problem with my 1996 dodge ram pickup,even though it
is not a ford explorer ,i tok it to one of those quick lube shops and had an trasmission flush done and man did it make difference , they usaully
charge any where between 60 to 90 dollars and some time offer specials
in sundays paper or coupons they send to your house for 20 dollars off.
its worth a try compare to 1500 to 1800 dollars.

good luck.............. 95 Explorer and on 3rd trtanny.... Ford sucks