Hello everyone, I was hoping someone could give me some advice on this...

1985 4runner 260,000 miles 22RE Auto Tranny

I have taken care of this 4runner and despite my best efforts in keeping it up, it seems as though my auto tranny is failing.

For the last 5 years or so, I have had to manually downshift the 4runner as it would not do it on its own. Although, sometimes it does downshift when it is cold outside and for only 5 minutes of driving it or so.

Anyways, over the last several months, the 4runner jolts and jerks when at a complete stop and only when coming to a complete stop downhill. With my foot on the brake, the 4runner jolts and jerks forward. Once released off the brake and onto the gas, the 4runner will not go. It acts like it is going through several gears before finally finding the first gear and going despite already manually being in first gear. I suspect bad torque converter, but am not sure.

I changed the fluid and gaskets...no metal shavings, burnt smell, etc.

I am not opposed to going to a mechanic...I just want to know what to expect. Any thoughts? Is it a grim outlook?

Thanks,
JAREDL