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The Trans has always shifted hard on the 3rd Gens, I learned to ezz off the throttle when it's about to shift this make the shift smoother, (and I sure the trans likes it better)
but if you want to accel fast shifting hard is part of the game it seems.
The one I have at work right now is an '06 4x4 extended cab, so the 4.0 has about 205 HP or so, and they move with authority. Pretty comfy, ride well, handle nicely...but it also only has 25K miles. They're way nicer to bop around in than the clapped out 3.9 Daks and 5.9 Gas 2500 Rams.
They're nice little trucks, but the interior is way cheap. The Dak has waaay more interior room, a bigger bed a real half ton axle, and big 6 speed trans.