Quote:

HOPING it is NOT - for your sake - a toasted front band ... but that it what it sounds like to me .... [/quote

Bingo! I had the same issue and my front band was burnt up. My pump gears needed replaced too which I would assume might of caused the front band to go bad over time.

Mine used to flare up about 2-300rpm during the 2-3 shift when I was at WOT. The 1-2 shift was fine and my reverse was also fine.