Ok, I disconnected the black line that runs to the transmission and gave it a test drive. The results are that the 2-3 flare is gone but now (as you mentioned it would) the 1-2 and even the 2-3 shifts real hard. Also, just as I'm coming to a stop, the trans makes a clunking noise. I'm guessing that's the 2-1 downshift?

OK, you're between a rock and a hard place. You've got two options:

1) Try to dial in the vacuum at idle to about 4" or so..........hopefully that will eliminate the 2-3 flare and still provide a decent 1-2. It might not be exactly 4"........might be 3".........might be 2".........you'll need to tune it.

2) Get the Superior Shift kit and hope that the new springs will eliminate the 2-3 flare. No assurances, but it's probably $60. well spent.