First off, thanks everyone for pitching in their thoughts and expertise here. I've been struggling with this damn transmission for 2 years now and nothing's helping so far, so any suggestions from fellow MB DIYers is much appreciated.

Ok, so I tested the VCV and it held at 6" at idle and then dropped to zero when I opened the "rack". Is that sufficient, do you think? It wouldn't even let me pump any farther than 6" to begin with though. Also, I tested the transmission line and that did not leak at all.

My next question for anyone who'd like to humor me would be: If my VCV is working properly, what could possibly be causing my (slightly) hard 1-2 shift and my obnoxious 2-3 flare up? I've fixed all leaks throughout my vac system; I've replaced the K1 spring kit; I've tried changing the little plastic orifices (leading to the surge damper--I bought every size orifice that MB still makes); I've adjusted the white plastic screw connected to the throttle linkage; replaced both switchover valves that sit on top of the valve cover; changed trans fluid and filter...I'm running out of options here I think. Is there a specific procedure to follow to adjust these transmissions or is it all guess work, tweeking this and that and then test driving? Also, I've tried adjusting the VCV by the screw under the "conehead cover" but that messed up my shifts way worse.

I read the Steve Brotherton article, but it wasn't much help for me because I'm still just a novice and he was discussing some procedures that I didn't quite understand.