Arthur, thanks for your patients and for your reply. I will check this tomorrow and let you know what I find.

I pulled my plugs and the no 6 (closest to the fire wall) plug is covered in oil, the rest are bone dry.

Is this consistent w/ a bad vac modulator?

I know that further questions are pointless until I get down there and yank the vac line and inspect for ATF, but should the VM need replaced, what how difficult a job is it? 1 to 10 for a novice DIY'er.

looks like the part is only $40, but there is an adjustment that needs to be made utilizing equipment I don't own or have access to. I read that the exhaust may need to come down, should I just bring it in?