Hard Shifting

I own a 98 Burb that shifts really hard from 1st to 2nd. It doesn't do it all the time, but have noticed it more lately. I took it to the dealer to have my transfer case rebuilt and asked them to check that out. I was told by the mechanic that it didn't shift hard for them, so they don't think anything is wrong. Then they recommended a transmission flush. Any ideas? This is my first 4x4 and just wonder if this is normal.

not transfer case, probably needs valve body or shift solenoids in transmission. common problem

My hubby took it to a transmission shop before we took it to the dealer and they said that it needed a valve in the tranny itself replaced. Is it something he could do himself? He is somewhat mechanically inclined and if he had the steps written down, he could probably do it. He just doesn't want to mess with a 4x4, the transfer case was shot that is why it is in the shop now. Thanks for the info

i would recommend letting the shop replace the valve body or solenoids. i'd feel better if someone with trans experience did the repair. you're out $1800-2000 if something goes wrong.

I have the same issue with my '99. Is it bad to just ignore it, or will it eventually create more problems?

It hard shifts every once in a while, more annoying than anything. My biggest concern about it is that in October we are moving cross country and plan on towing hubby's Mustang and we don't want this hard shift to be an issue. My Burb shifts through the rest of her gears just fine. Thanks for all the info...lot of help.

i can't say what will happen if you do not fix the solenoids or valve body. harsh shifts normally won't hurt anything unless they are extremely harsh under load which i suppose could break internal parts( sprags or shells ) slow slipping shifts normally do the damage by burning internal clutches. i'd probably fix it if i was going to pull with it, that's quite a load on the transmission

the spring in the 2nd gear servo is probably broken/// this can be checked and re-placed by removing the tranny pan