Transmission Fluid and Filter change

If you're just pulling the pan off, and changing the filter. it will be fine.

All of those horror stories are usually a result of those suction machines at the quick change places.

Just make sure you fill it back up with fluid. It usually takes 4 or 5 quarts.

Don't drain the torque convertor. Recover most of the fluid in a clean container and strain through a paint strainer. Put that back in the trans and top with new fluid. Change the filter.

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I've heard that your clutch could start slipping once changed if your fluid has never been changed before.

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Correct.

What happens is if the fluid has been in there a long time it will start to varnish. That varnish gets in all the seals throughout the transmission. New fluid is high in detergent and that detergent will wash the varnish out of those seals and damage them. If the seals cannot hold pressure it will not shift right.

ATF is some fricking incredible shite.

Mix with Kroil for ultra incredible penetrating lubricant

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every once in a while it will hesitate and shift hard into 2nd gear.

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sounds like a sticking shift solenoid

Check in this order

shift solenoid (scan for code)
if no code

Trouble could be from:

check ball in valve body plate
accumulator piston spring

4L60E are notorious for losing 3rd

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every once in a while it will hesitate and shift hard into 2nd gear

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My recommendation would be to just top it off with the appropriate fluid. Abnormal shifting may be due to low levels. Has there been any signs of trans oil leaking? Even a tiny bit adds up over time.

If you have a trans dip stick and fill reservoir, it's a quick deal. If, like my car, the only way to add trans fluid is to get under and add directly to the pan, you have some work to do. And it must be level to get it right.