My car is suffering from a similar problem and I've been wrestling it for a while now.

I know (1) shift feel (soft vs hard) = Mod. Valve Adj.
(2) shift point = (or partly =) Bowden cable adj.

Patient: '85 300D

Symptoms:

In "D" , tranny starts in 2nd gear, runs to 4K rpm, flares and shifts to 3rd, runs to 5K rpm, shifts firmly to 4th.

In "S", same as above, but wont shift to 4th.

In "L", tranny starts in 1st gear, runs to 4k rpm then hard shifts to 2nd, chirping tires.

Attempted solutions:

Adjust Bowden cable all the way out, (loostening adjuster to far end). Effect on shift points, none at all.

Compared Bowden cable support bracket to one in 300td. appeared bent away from valve cover, bent bracket forward toward valve cover and front of drivers side. Effect...none at all.. tranny still shifts at 4k between 2nd and 3rd, 5k between 3rd and 4th.

Calling Tranny doc's here in Diesel discussion.. Any thoughts??

Thanks in advance.. Frank

__________________
'85 white 300SD - "YCAGWYW" as in: "You Can't Awlays Get What You Want."
'85 gold 300D - "Pain"..for sale, as in..Anyone want to date my Ex-wife... I'll Pay !!
'83 300td - "Tumblin" as in "Dice"
'81 black 300TD Fenix, risen and sold, now residing in NJ