95 dodge dakota having hard time shifting.

asked 2 times>?
Gen 1.
there is no 97, , 97 is july 2 1997 made for1998 year
the wiki tells you that
and the 42RE is there not mated to 3.9L V6 , + 4wd
the PCM will not allow other transmissions.
for sure v8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Durango

no you can not mix these up, the PCM will never allow that.
Transmissions42RE 4-speed - 5.9 L V8


Transmissions

42RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 3.9 L V6
45RFE 4-speed RFE automatic (2000–2002) - 4.7 L V8
545RFE 5-speed RFE automatic (2003) - 4.7 L V8
44RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.2 L V8
46RE 4-speed TorqueFlite automatic - 5.9 L V8

yes it does sound like your Torque Converter

Bad shift solenoid. Easy t replace but messy, You have to drop the transmission pan. There are 2 shift solenoids. The 2 that look the same. I would replace both of them. Pull them out slowly, there are pistons and springs behind them. You don't want to loose them.

Replace the gas filter!

That could even explain the failure to shift into Overdrive, as the engine cannot be running lean for the computer to allow it to shift into Overdrive.

Easy $10 fixya.

Try a transmission flush and filter change recently? If not try it. Also check for anything loose when under there like shift linkage

You remove and clean the valve body

No luck,you rebuild the unit

I used to own a trans shop

Manually shift thru all gears up & down the scale. Try adding Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier, available from Ford parts dept. This REALLY STINKS!!! Don't get any on you. Pour into trans fluid. Drive a few miles shifting manually thruthe gears, then do a normal start stop drive several times. This will luburcate trans, normally used for differential but has worked in automatic transmissions of all makes for years. Otherwise mechanical problem for transmission repair facility.

transmission probably needs fluid and filter change. as for the the engine not running smootly, it may be in need of a tune up, you know, changing air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires... or it could be a weak fuel pump.

manul transmission or automatic

Your rear engine seal is probably shot. I wish I could tell you that it's an easy job to fix. You "could" try some of that engine stop leak stuff which is supposed to repair dried out seals, but I have never had luck with that stuff.

You'll probably need to get the seal replaced, which involves pulling the transmission off. Luckily its a rear wheel drive truck - it's no where near has hard as a front wheel drive!!