Light acceleration, the trans shutters when it

ur trans has had it need replacement not good, sounds like bearing have collapse u will need another trans

as long as the trans does not slip while shifting gears, you may need a torque convertor. you may be able to minimize the shudder by changing the fluid and filter, but that may open a can of worms causing the trans to go bad.

You need to have the transmission serviced. This is most likely a clogged Trans filter or you are low on trans fluid.

change trans fluid and filter

With normal acceleration the 1st to second shift point should be around 2500-3000 rpm. Most of your shifts under moderate acceleration will take place at this same point or when there a light load on the transmission. Under hard acceleration the RPMs will climp higher due to increased power needs and the computer will shift when less power is needed or the RPMs climb to an unsafe speed say5000-6000rpms (depending on where yours redlines). Also going up a steep hill will raise the RPMs higher and goind down a hill will cause a faster shift at lower RPMs. These can always be altered by an individual owner by adjusting shift points, using performance parts and if you have problems (low tranny fluid/trans issues). Your trans RPMS are fine and will vary depening on how your foot accelerates. The shift pattern should be the same every time you drive slow/medium/fast/, look for changes in those patterns you will also catch a problem early.

Attach a diagnostic computer to the leads on your engine.
Check the codes to confirm that the onboard computer is choosing to shift under the correct conditions.

Or, get your local Dodge dealer (before they go bankrupt) to run the computer-diagnosis.

adjust the TV cable

You should check for a vacuum line or no vacuum condition at the modulator valve. Under acceleration there is low vaccum at the modulator so the trans thinks your are trying to pass, once you have achieved the upshift speed, a higher RPM than normal the care will shift hard. The service manual can show where to look for this valve. Hope it helps.

The problem is a known issue with the 1 to 2 shift at hard throttle. The fix is a repair of the entire 2nd clutch assy. in the transmission. There is a TSB about it released by Chevy. It will need that rebuild for the sudder to go away, or you can try and let off it at shift to stretch more miles out of it.

It's hard to understand when you say it feels like a manual shift. Noise? Feel? I do know that the 87 auto trans does have a weak 1st to 2nd shift drum (as explained to me by my mechanic) that makes a grinding, elongated shift under heavy acceleration when it starts to wear. Under normal acceleration, 1st to 2nd shifts were normal (crisp, immediate). Since that day 8 years ago, I've avoided starting off to quickly, and so far have saved myself a tranny overhaul.