harsh shift

I am in the process of buying a 1994 Astro 8 passenger van with 160 000 kilometers on it. I checked everything out on the hoist and the usual things are worn, brakes , idlers, etc.
After driving it for a few kilos I became aware of a clunky/hard shift in the transmission. It feels like the 2-3 shift and happens all the time.I don't believe its driveline play but from the transmission itself. Is this a normal happening or is something going wrong?
I am off to make an offer on it tonight and would appreciate any advise.
Thanks in advance!

I have the same problem with my 94 astro. It's supposed to be "normal" GM driveline noise. A guy I work with has a 94 astro and it clunks from 2-3, too. It doesn't get any worse, or at least that's what he said.

GM actually released a service bulletin saying the clunk is normal.

I have a 96 that shifts hard into 2nd from 1st. This is my third (98 and 2002) and both did the same, maybe GM isn't covering anything up by saying its normal!

My father in law owns several astros. 1988, 1988, 1989, 1993, and 1995. They all do this. This is a Chevrolet 700r4 & 4l60E transmission noise, don't worry about it.

I had the same problem with my 98 chevy astro van. It does this after the transmission warms up. The dealer knows about it and the fix is a gasket kit 4.265 in the transmission. Part cost about $13.04, total cost to fix is about 323.00 dollars. Reason why they have to overhaul tranmission to install it. Sucks but has to be done, else live with the hard shifting. Hope this helps you....

I had the same problem with my 98 chevy astro van. It does this after the transmission warms up. The dealer knows about it and the fix is a gasket kit 4.265 in the transmission. Part cost about $13.04, total cost to fix is about 323.00 dollars. Reason why they have to overhaul tranmission to install it. Sucks but has to be done, else live with the hard shifting. Hope this helps you....

Where is more information on this "gasket kit 4.265" for the AStro Vans? Is it online somewhere? Pictures, install diagrams? Anything at all?
Thanks!

have you tried to replace the speed sensor on the
transmission i have the same problem until i replace
and it's runing fine now

the 2nd accumulator has to be modified a little ////should tame the 1-2
shift down some!!!

the 2nd accumulator has to be modified a little ////should tame the 1-2
shift down some!!!


What type of modifying has be don to accomplish this?