Transmission problems...

Just purchased a 97 jimmy with 142k on it. it runs well and is quiet as can be. i love it...well, now, the problem. I've read the first 100 pages on this forum and found lots of info on the problem, but none specific enough for me. When I start to drive I get the hard 1-2 shift...then as i speed up, the rpms just keep going. I was on the expressway and the tach gotr uo to 6 and the engine got hot...thats, when i knew there was a problem. So, of course the trans is not shifting properly or at all. Any suggestions on what it may be. I checked the fluid and it was dark red. I know people will say the trans flush, but is there anything else it could be?

You need to get it on a good eng/trans capable scanner and look it over and get codes.
Post back codes no.
MT
Also trans and engine sise.
Is the check engine light on and engine running good?

It's a 4.3 and yes the engine runs nicely. The SES light is on too.

Get the codes read with a scanner and post back code no.
Has the trans filter and fluid ever been serviced?
How is the fluid and fluid level?

Some places like auto zone give free code checks but.

Use Caution when getting the free code checks please.
Some parts places do offer free code checks. And also free repair advice. But beware. Just get the code no and post it back here and someone will help you.
They offer the free code checks in the hope of increasing there parts sales.
Almost all of them will also offer mechanical advice and some know what they are doing.
But just remember most of them are parts people pulling codes for free.
Not trained professional tech/mechanics. Even if they pull a 02-sensor code or another sensor related code it does always mean to replace that sensor and your problem will be fixed.
Please just get the code no and post it back here and we will help you.

Post back code no and we can go from there.
MT :)

I have a 97 blazer as well w/ like 113k on it. My tranny was shifting so hard under about 3/4 gas it would spin the hell out of 2nd gear. i mean i kinda like it but i knew it was hell on the whole drive train. i rip out the tranny and found that someone drilled the valve body and valve body space plate. so i put a new valve body and spacer plate. it doesn't shift as hard but still very firm 1st to 2nd . i think there known for having firm shifts

i have a 99 blazer, and i have the same problem. infact my tran failed and i had to repair it. it started with the hard shifting. my enderstanding is that the oil cooling system is undersized for this cars and that leads to over heating. usually after driving for a while on a warm day 80F or sitting in trafic it will start doing that and that how you know that you got oil over heating issues. trani oil cooler is a good idea in this case. now i am looking on how to install one

I'm new and I searched codes. Hard to dig through
all of the material. So here's what I gotta do:
I've got codes to what I was experiencing with
a slip from 3 to 4. I'm getting a full tune-up,
a new EGR gasket, and new sensors.
Let me know if you guys think there's
anything I should be doing.

Fluid red/brown
TCC cycles in & out
leaks out the front
codes:bnk 1 sens 1.P0141-02 heater
CKT bnk 1 sens 2. p0300-random misfire detected
p0441-evap sys incorrect/no purge flow
p1406-egr pintle ckt prob

if this doesn't reek of newbie, I don't know what is.
I've been reading this forum for days.
You all seem really on top of things, and I need
you to be. I love my blazer, and I don't want to part with it.

Matt Rock
You need to start a new post.
And remember a code does not say replace the sensor.
It says check it out.
Start a new post and give year and engie make and model and trans and mileage.
And post codes and describe all of your problems the best you can and some one will help you.
MT