Transmission is acting up so first step is ck fluid. The owners manual says there is some special procedure for checking 4.7 liter units. Well that's kinda useless. What is the "special" procedure?

 

paraphrased from the Haynes.
1. Warm the transmission by driving the vehicle at least 15 miles. With the parking brake set, start the engine, then move the shift lever through all the gear ranges ending in Neutral. The fluid level must be checked with the vehicle level and the engine running at idle.
2.) wipe the dipstick with at clean rag and push it back into until the cap seats.
3.) Check the fluid level, It should be between add and full.
4.) quickly realize that this is not really necessary and it can be done as long as the engine is warmed up.

edit:
Don't forget it put it back in Park.