sometimes shifts hard and takes longer from 1st to 2nd

Just so you are aware - with the stock 7.3L V8, this transmission is pretty taxed and maxed out. If you boost it with a controller or "chip" - it totally can't handle it. Damage has likely occured - dropping the pan, looking for damgae is a good idea. Good luck.

better to ignore this issue and just wait until the transmission burns out. YES. have it looked at!