Nissan Repair: 93 hardbody auto tran issue, nissan hardbody, torque converter

Question
i have a 93 Nissan hardbody ext cab 4cyl auto trans. both
2nd and 4th gear are completely gone. had the truck looked
at by cottmans and now when i first start the truck after
its cold it wont shift out of first at all. i stop a put it
in park then drive off no longer having an issue. any ideas?
also have loud rattling sound when idling, i hear it more on
the drivers side. any ideas would help greatly?

Answer
Andrew,

A replacement transmission is in order.  It does not matter if it is Cottman or another shop.  I would check ebay and other on line sources for a used unit.  The second and forth gear are gone and it sounds like the torque converter is going out.  That would be the noise you are describing.  I like LKQ.com for on line parts if you cannot locate a transmission on ebay.  But, that is just me and my experience.