ATF in oil pan

Anybody have any ideas as to why I see what looks to be red colored automatic transmission fluid on the very bottom of my motor oil dipstick? Is this something to do with an exhaust backpressure issue? (Have noticed exhaust fumes in cab at Highway speeds); or could it be a vacuum leak/plug problem? ODB codes find nothing in all tests, and it says that all cylinders are contributing equally. I have a sneaking suspicion that it might be a head gasket problem, but I have not really noticed any of the major indicators, and there seems to be quite a power loss. Could my exhaust be plugged? I cut out the catalytic converters a few years ago as they were plugged, but maybe my mufflers are shot, I don't know, I am stumped. Any Ideas would be appreciated.

HELLO FIVE, have u looked at red fluid smelled or felt it.not sure of trans fluid in the engine oil.DEX-COOL maybe??year/miles would be helpful

Oh Yeah, I forgot to post my specs. This car is a 1993 ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0 litre High Output, 302 V8, Automatic transmission.

Oh Yeah I have also heard of problems with the vacuum modulator where it will suck up atf and it will be deposited in the engine somehow.

Have you checked the fluid level in the transmission? Do you notice smoke coming from the exhaust. Have someone follow you to check for smoke.

The transmission cooler is in the radiator. If you can lower your air pressure to about 15psi put an air hose on the transmission cooler with other end plugged.
With the cap off watch for bubbles.
A radiator shop will check if you pull the radiator. Have it cleaned and boiled out at this time.
Other wise follow the other instructions. This is not common but can happen.

If the radiator had an opening between the two you would be mixing the ATF with coolant not the oil. I suppose you could have a bad radiator and a blown head or intake gasket though!