Won't go into drive all the time

I'm new but did a search before I posted but didn't find any answers. I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 2WD, 2.3L (I think) and an automatic transmission. Often, when I shift from Park to drive, nothing happens until I rev the engine for a moment. I can't remember if it does it in reverse, too. No, on second thought, I can put in reverse, back out, put in drive and that's when it happens. I checked the fluid level, it was a tad low a while back but I topped it off. Anybody have a thought?

try changing your trans fluid and filter. if that dosen't help it's time for rebuild.

I'm new but did a search before I posted but didn't find any answers. I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 2WD, 2.3L (I think) and an automatic transmission. Often, when I shift from Park to drive, nothing happens until I rev the engine for a moment. I can't remember if it does it in reverse, too. No, on second thought, I can put in reverse, back out, put in drive and that's when it happens. I checked the fluid level, it was a tad low a while back but I topped it off. Anybody have a thought?
I hope it doesn't come to that. The other day I checked it properly, per manual, it was lower than I thought. I topped it off, climbed underneath and saw tranny fluid on the pan. Checked the bolts and they were all loose. Tightened them up and the level has stayed steady and so far, it's been going into gear fine. I will change the filter and fluid though. It's kind of a funny color. Thanks for getting back to me.