I'm new to this forum but impressed by the wealth of info.

My 97 626 is shifting very firm from 1st to 2nd and almost as bad 2nd to 3rd. It's like it's got a shift kit, I'm afraid of driveline damage if it continues...........

 

Did you try the 626 forum? maybe it is a known problem that the members there know about the 626

 

The 626 forum I tried would not let me post, even after I registered.

Tried to contact an administrator and the link went nowhere.

If you have a link to a working 626 forum I would try again!!!!