Gears & Brakes - What can be wrong???

I hope someone can help me.

My 97 4.6hse p38 is playing up on a couple of issues

First - from cold start up my brakes are very spongy. I have to pump the brake peddal half a dozen times before I get any decent brakes - when the car is warm/running I have no problems with the brakes. The fluid is fine and the pads are fine. Any thoughts???

Second - Gearbox, sometimes (not always) when I engage Drive/Reverse the gear does not engage right away, sometimes there is a delay of a second or two before the gear engages. Any thoughts???

Both of these problems have crept up on me over the past few months.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts

check the colour of the oil in box by dropping a cupful out of drain,if its black clutch pack/s about to fail ,check for excess play in diffs props ,transferbox etc

James
Thanks for you suggestions, I'll have a go
Monty

Auto box filter may just need a change and a refill. As regards the brakes, it may be the accumulator.

is this difficult to do - or can I just get under the car and get the job done??
where is the filter??