Shifting an Automatic

I've heard so many things about this so I've just been letting the car shift itself unless I just put it in 1st for the snow play. People have told me that shifting an automatic transmission yourself will screw it up. Other people have told me that it's ok to shift as long as you're going up, but don't try to down shift or do neutral drops. The second I know is true. But the first? Will dropping my 4 speed down into 1st and then working my way up tear up the transmission?

I've heard so many things about this so I've just been letting the car shift itself unless I just put it in 1st for the snow play. People have told me that shifting an automatic transmission yourself will screw it up. Other people have told me that it's ok to shift as long as you're going up, but don't try to down shift or do neutral drops. The second I know is true. But the first? Will dropping my 4 speed down into 1st and then working my way up tear up the transmission?

i have been a mechanic for a couple years and my dad has his whole life and what he told me was this, as long as you shift at the right time you will not hurt the tranny, but it does shorten its life span and you may have to have it serviced more but who cares have fun while you still can

What year legacy do you have? If equiped with a manual button (90-94) check this http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=1468

Oh, and whoever told you shifting an auto damages it needs a good punch sqaure in the face.
If you really want control and power learn to left foot brake. Its the only way to accurately control the balance and rpm of the vehicle. Otherwise you will be forrever slow.

I don't know about the older legacy's but in both my 96 LSi and my mom's 2002 outback h6, the tranny won't shift down untill its ready regardless. i can put mine in 2nd on the freeway and it won't shift down to third even untill i get down to like 2000rpms. shifting while accelerating is a given. I think I have left mine in drive a grand total of like 4 times in the 2 years i have owned it, and no problems whatsoever