My 02 Ram 1500,4x4, 4.7 sometimes smokes on start up. also shift issues.

What is your question?

Sometimes I'll loose 4th gear and no down shift. Only code I had was gas cap. Codes clear now. Makes me think it's vacuum related.tried carb cleaner around the top of the engine got a small surge behind the plenum. Any help is appreciated. I still need to do the a/c and heater core after I fix this. Thanks in advance, Vin