1994 GT transmission problems
 

Looks like I might need a new transmission. Have a 1994 GT convertible with the AODE automatic. Shifts from first to second have been jarringly hard for the last year, but its gotten progressively worse until two nights ago, when the downshift from second to first would happen too late and stall the engine at red lights. It also seems to bind up and not deliver power efficiently sometimes from a start. Put in neutral and go again and its a little better.

So... any ideas on what it could be, and if i need a new (or used) one, which transmissions would bolt right in? Does it have to be another aode from a 94-95? I had bought the car to fix up and sell (i had hardly anything invested) and now that its getting nicer, i might keep it. These dont sell for much though, and I'm debating how much its worth investing to put another transmission in there.

here's a before and two afters...

I'm not really sure on a lot of your questions, hopefully some of the guys that know all about it will chime in.

When's the last time the fluid was changed? Always best to start with the simplest and cheapest ways of possible fixes first.

Changed it when I noticed it was acting up and also put some Lucas Oil in there. Might have noticed a tiny bit of improvement then, but it's pretty bad now.

On the lookout for another transmission. Might do a 5-speed swap, just hate throwing more money at a car that doesn't seem like it's going to have much value.