the trans should be same.
however, are you SURE it won't shift up from 2nd? how long did you hold the motor in 2nd? past the II tick marks on the speedo? (around 45 or 50 IIRC) you could just have a stuck kickdown switch. is 1st to 2nd a long time? like around 25 before it shifts?

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!