2004 trans... is it on its way out?

[thebeezknees]

Sorry my post is so long, this is my first time here and I just want to be sure you have all the info you need to give me an informed opinion.

So our 2004 Grand Prix GT2 has been have some signs of transmission failure lately. Slow to engage into drive/first and when it does it is harsh, then the occasional slip to 2nd or third. Just as a side note it is in need of a new driver side inner tie rod and and wheel bearings(throwing abs codes). It's our daily driver and we have racked up 149,000 miles on this car. The transmission has been exhibiting this behavior for about 7,000 miles now with no changes in severity.The last time it had a transmission flush was at 120,000 miles. Me and my girlfriend are planning a 2,000 mile trip soon and I want to know this thing isn't going to leave us stranded, so what are my options?

Transmission fluid is still clean, does not smell burnt so I wouldn't imagine a flush makes much sense.
Any opinion on shift kits, I have heard they will help improve the longevity of transmissions, or am I throwing money out?
Could this be an issue with something other than the transmission?
I was thinking perhaps a transmission cooler, most the issues occur in slower city traffic where heat can build, however the harsh shift to Drive is most present when its cold.

Thank you so much for your time.

 

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

Id say its an internal problem if its slipping into Drive and giving some harsh shifts.

 

[BillBoost37]

I would perform a service by dropping the pan and changing the filter. 50K is enough and I doubt if you wipe that fluid on a clean white paper towel that it leaves a clean red fluid behind.

 

[thebeezknees]

Well the last service was only 30k ago and the fluid is actually very clean, I even used a white paper towel, the fluid level was also spot on.
This doesn't seem to add up to me. I think I may go ahead and perform a flush and replace the filter (reused it last time). Any thoughts on an aftermarket cooler or shift kit while i'm in there? I have heard good things about transgo, but not sure if they would help in my situation.