Engine bogging out/Tranny sticking

[YFZrider]

Hey all! I'm new here and I've got a problem. I drive a 92 pickup with a 22re and an auto trans. About 2 months ago I noticed that it seemed to be running rich. Then in the last few weeks the engine has been bogging out from time to time. I'll be driving along and all of a sudden it will bog down like its not getting enough air or fuel(not sure which). I will see dark smoke behind me so I know its not an oil issue. I also know the fuel and air filters are both good because I replaced them when this all started. It will do this for a few seconds and then it will run fine. While its doing it, it seems to get worse the more gas I give it. The thing that I think is REALLY strange is that about the same time it started this, the transmission started to get stuck into 3rd gear. Sometimes while I'm driving, it will throw itself out of overdrive into 3rd and stay there, sometimes for a second, sometimes all the way across town. It will shift fine through the gears but sometimes it won't even go past third into overdrive and when it does it may not stay there. I know the filter and fluid are both new because my dad and I replaced them about 6 or 7 months ago. I was wondering if anyone would know if they are connected in some way? Any help will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[new echo owner]

The only thing that comes to mind from reading your description is that your problem may be electrical; however, without a wiring diagram for the circuits, it is difficult to be 100% on that.

For now, I would suggest start by checking your battery cables and ground connections, make sure they are all clean and tight.

N.E.O.

[IronNam]

YFZRider - you mean YZF as in Yamaha? if so what kind of bike?

Back to topic - Might as well do some more basic maintanence for your truck so we all can narrow down to the problem.

Spark plug replacement will be good also.

[YFZrider]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that I replaced my plugs about 6,000 miles ago, sorry about that. A few more things I forgot to mention, its right at 100,000 miles now. I replaced the timing chain as well about a month ago, it was ticking a little and I know they start to go bad at about a hundred grand. I had a few ideas that it might be sensor related, like a TPS or a mass air flow, but I don't know if these would effect my tranny also. It was doing it constantly today, almost every time I go to take off it bogs down hard then it gets up and goes. Also, I get my post name because I have a Yamaha YFZ 450 atv that I race cross country. Mostly GNCC and locals around the mid-Ohio valley. I hope this helps guys, thanks!