My free opinion....
I would investigate the part about the "not running with the same vigor it used to".
The way the engine is performing will affect how the transmission operates. I have recently learned that a degrading TPS could cause shifting problems. You may also have a stuck EBV valve causing performance to be reduced, thus causing some abnormal shifting (not too sure about this) but the point is, it could be engine related and not so much drivetrain. But it definately would not hurt to check the play in your u-joints and carrier bearing...I have had my driveline rebuilt twice and both times the u-joints had play and the carrier needed to be replaced.
I would investigate the part about the "not running with the same vigor it used to".
The way the engine is performing will affect how the transmission operates. I have recently learned that a degrading TPS could cause shifting problems. You may also have a stuck EBV valve causing performance to be reduced, thus causing some abnormal shifting (not too sure about this) but the point is, it could be engine related and not so much drivetrain. But it definately would not hurt to check the play in your u-joints and carrier bearing...I have had my driveline rebuilt twice and both times the u-joints had play and the carrier needed to be replaced.
