1988 Sentra XE Hatchback tranny problems.

[coop2u]

So i just bought this car with only 100718 miles on it and knew it needed some things. What I did not know is that there was something wrong with the transmission. After getting it i noticed that after warmed up going down the road when it shifts into third gear from second gear its like the clutch slips or its missing third gear. Also if and when I get into that gear it immediately upshifts into what im guessing is an overdrive. My question now comes down to can I put a transmission from a same year pulsar into it? i couldnt find any pictures of them or else I would put them side by side. Also Im going to do ball joints and tie rod ends soon and was wondering if they were pressed in or screwed on. Havent looked yet but thanks for answering.

[91STT]

from '88 to '90 they both use the RL3F01A tranny.