2002 dodge dakota sxt 4x4 with 75000 miles i have

Have a look at throttle valve cable, which will run to transmission, close to shifter cable. It runs from throttle linkage area on throttle body, to the transmission. The cable and/or linkage may be partially seizing at transmission end, and hanging up too long resulting in symptoms you are experiencing. With engine off, have someone press throttle to floor slowly, and watch what that linkage does, then have them release pedal, and watch as well. When pedal is pushed it should pull that linkage around, and when pedal is released, that linkage should return fully in the opposite direction. If that linkage doesn't return all the way freely, then transmission will hold up in lower gear longer. Give that linkage area, a good spray with penetrating spray, such as WD-40 or similar, and make sure it is returning all the way freely. Once it's freed up real good, spray it with white lithium grease or similar to keep it from doing same in near future. You can probably work that linkage by hand as well, to make sure it gets loosened up real good, and is returning fully. Give that a try and let me know how it goes.