Flex disk or rear tranny mount (between crossbar and transmission at the back). Crawl under and look -- if the bolts on the flex disk aren't in the center of the "cutouts" in the disk it is shot -- you'll see what I mean -- the angular relationship of the transmission and driveshaft ends shouldn't change very much under load. Tranny mount can separate, you will only see this if you jack (gently!) on the transmission or remove the crossmeber. You will need to support the transmission if you take the crossmeber loose -- you don't need to in order to change the mount. It can also get soft and mushy, allowing the tranny to move too much. They are cheap and easy to replace. Flex disk is about $90 or so, cheaper on older cars.

No real rush, but causes vibration. Don't wait till your youngest child gets married.

Check the vaccuum lines going to the vaccuum modulator on the transmission -- hard, late shifts at light throttle can indicate a vacuum leak. Will also cause harsh downshifts.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!