its a 95 talon ESI . auto . every time i come to a stop it downshifts but when i try to go again it takes at least 5 sec or so for it to even find a gear to drive. also when its drivingit slips somtimes. could this be a torque converter problem or does it sound like a trans going bad? it also rattles when i accellerate and when the RPMS get high.

It really sounds like a fluid level problem. Lack of fluid pressure will cause exactly what you are seeing. However it is possible that the TQ convertor could be causing it but I would start with looking at the fluid level its much less likely that its the Torque convertor. Check for leaks from the hoses coming out of the side of the transmisson and where they connect at the radiator.