Transmission shifts hard into Drive or Reverse?

Question

I have a 1992 ford ranger (3.0 V6 engine). 2wd

When i shift into drive or reverse it jerks the truck, shifts fine while driving.

I found the transmission modulator to be bad because there is 1 ounce of tranny fluid in its vacuum line.

Could this cause the harsh shift into D and R?

Also can a bad throttle position sensor cause this?

Other known things - The engine idles at about 1050 rpm

Transmission fluid is slighty brown but NOT burnt smelling.

Answer 1

Yes yes & yes If you found fluid in the modulator then you need to replace it ,That's what helps it shift and yes your TPS will cause it to shift hard as well ,i had to replace my tPS just the other day for the same reason you are ,You could try the new parts first to see if it's going to  work out , then change the fluid & filter for the tranny,