Lexus Repair: Transmission, lexus ls 400, lexus toyota

Question
Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.

My 1990 Lexus LS 400 seems to shift into 3rd gear prematurely.  From a dead stop when I take off it shifts into a lower gear and doesn't have seem to have enough power to continue progressive acceleration. I find though that when the transmission is cold (normally in the morning after sitting all night) it shifts fine with good power.

What could be the problem?

If I may ask another question...

When I make right turns I hear a rattling sound from the front tire.  I removed the tire and inspected for any loose parts, but did not notice any.  Could this be weak shocks?

Thank you so much.

Answer
Hello Michael, The LS transmissions have very few problems, the most comon problems I see are due to lack of service every 15k miles and servicing the transmission with the wrong fluid. The LS takes Lexus/Toyota Type IV transmission fluid which most shops do not carry unless they are the dealer or a quality independant Lexus shop. If this is the case then you may be seeing some problems caused by that. Once that happens there is not much you can do short of rebuilding it.