My '81 300TD makes a "clunk" sound and lurches a little when it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, and also as it downshift from 2nd to first. Is this normal? It does not clunk if i simply accelerate and decelerate within the same gear, which makes me think it isn't in the center support bearing. I get the sense it might be play in the differential, or am I looking at a transmission issue?

 

Wow. cool. that kit sound like it addresses the issue exactly. Does it require removal of the transmission to install or are those springs accessible by removing the pan, or other accessible areas? I am well versed in engine work, but have not serviced an automatic transmission other than changing fluid. Am I hurting anything by driving it with hard 1st and 2nd shifts? Thanks for the tip!

 

Thanks for the advice!