Howdy-

I just bought at 1988 7.3 5spd overdrive F250 that runs really well (1,400 bucks). I already love it, but, the tranny is tough to shift. When in gear, it runs great, but it won't downshift without grinding gears, doesn't like reverse, and shifts hard. I had the trans oil changed right off, and replaced about half of the clutch slave oil. My mechanic thinks that the entire slave should be replaced with one you can bleed, as this one was dirty and not much was done by prior owner. For shifting under acceleration, first is a hard shift to get in gear, second and third are pretty smooth, fourth is hit an miss and 5th is smooth. Downshifting, 4th ok, 3rd forget about it, second and first are ok. Reverse is a hard shift, better when cold. When warm, need to extend the gear shift to the passenger side, then lock down. Usually I have to depress the clutch between shifts, every shift. I can't hold the clutch down and shift freely.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you-