98 Windstar Transmission Jerking

Greetings to all. I have a 98 WS which suddenly stopped some 2-3 months ago. I really miss using it. Anyhow, when you try put it in drive, it just sits there as I push the gas pedal and give it gas, acts like it wants to go but it jerks some and it may barely moves. I noticed when you try to put the car in park it acts as if it is in reverse, like the shifter is somehow moved and I can't seem to be able to put the WS in the park position. If I give it enough gas it tends to jerk violently and makes a rather loud grinding noise. I am trying to see whether I can check for any other things prior to my having to dig in and possibly remove the tranny. I sure would like to hear some ideas on what I can do to find the problem with it.Almost forgot, it has the 3.8 engine.Thanks for all your help.

It sounds like you need a new trany. I'm sure that is not what you wanted to here.

That's the exact same symptom my 1998 had. Replaced the tranny and all is fine.

Dale