Could be a valve body issue.Is the check engine light on? sometimes if the light is on, the trans will go into a"limp" mode which will affect shifting.Othersie you may want to have atrans shop look at it for you to see what they think.Have you replaced/checked the motor mounts? if the mounts are bad it can make the trans feel like it is shifting harder than it really is.

Answered by 2CarPros Jack (expert)
12,033 answers provided

Thank you for responding to my question.A transmission shop scanned for codes and they said they got nothing from it. They said to just buy a used transmission and swap out. I cant afford to do that right now Im trying to figure out the problem by blogs. The transmission looks shiny and new. I know that does not mean that it is but I think it could be something simple. What do you mean by valve body? How can i check this? Will check the motor mounts but the downshift to first can be violent and not normal it sometimes feels like it almost stops the car.

Response from eclipsd
1 question asked

in a 91, that will most likely be a valve body problem.You will need the proper pressure gauges to test the line pressures.The valve body is the part inside the trans that contains the hydraulic valves and any electric solenoids that make the trans work.I understand the money end of your situation, but I would call a few other trans shops and ask if they can actually diagnose it.They will have the proper tools for something like this

Answered by 2CarPros Jack (expert)
12,033 answers provided

Thanks, I will call around and check back thanks for a quick response

Response from eclipsd
1 question asked

youre welcome

Answered by 2CarPros Jack (expert)
12,033 answers provided