Ok so I'm really enjoying my car so far, 20 yr old quality beats brand new crappy ingenuity anyday!

So my question is this: I've see several posts about MB with auto trannys having harsh shifting problems. I seem to have this problem as well, and so far Ive checked my vacuum lines (everything seems ok without having a vacuum gauge, no leaks or visible holes/bad lines) and I have replaced the tranny filter and fluids (after a tranny flush). It seems pretty smooth between all gears if im on level ground and not stomping it hard. But when Im going up hills it seems to just lurch at 2600-2800 shifting from 1-2 (or 2nd-3rd?).

Ive read that the trans modulator can be adjusted (twisted) to make shifting softer/harder. First Q is do I have a trans modulator (manual does not tell me this)? And where is the thing located?The parts catalogue would make me think I do since they have one to sell me. And second Q is if I have it is it worth attempting to adjust if I dont have a vacuum gauge? Or can I just finesse it tiny adjustments at a time and then drive it around the block to check?

All help and suggestionsare appreciated!