I have been trying to get my 84 300D to shift like a normal car rather then a Pro Stock, as it does. 1 to 2 shift is really hard,2 to 3 very hard, 3 to 4 good. If I have it floored it shifts real nice, but I can't get it to shift at any resemblance of good taking off at a normal pace. I have come to realize that the modulator doesn't do anything but shift it in first when the pedal is depessed. I have tried adjusting the cable a number of different ways, starting with the way the manuel says to, no real change in shift force, just duration. I really don't know what to do next, pull the valve body? Help Help Help

Did you do the switches on top of the valve cover?

__________________
Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100

Check out this link
http://home.netcom.com/~olin-/verks.html

cheap and easy stuff first my friend
I'd start with the cheap stuff , like checking the vaccum valves on the motor and then the modulator on the trans itself.

The failure rate for these components seem to be high compared to the trans itself that often lasts to hell and back.

Hard shifting usually means that the modulator doesn't get enough vacuum or is faulty itself.

Check the line coming from the modulator for any crud or oilresidue, this means the modulator is crap.

With the engine on idle feel with the fingertip for vacuum suction in the line going down to the modulator that should decrease in strenght when revving the engine.

If you can't feel any suction you can bypass the valves on the engine by connecting a line directly from the main vacuum supply to the modulator and see if it shifts different.
If it gets smoother then these valves needs adjustment or replacement.
troubleshooting vacuum

__________________
/Per

MB E300TDT -98