dvw- Yes i did install the cupped orifice plug in the trans, I was told the trans functioned right up to being pulled and stored, I never ran it with the stock valve body, just my modified one. Not rebuilt to my knowledge

Polarapete- that's exactly how I did it with the trans out and doing the transgo mods, also had my handy "torqueflite A-727" by Carl H. Munroe at my side since he does the exact mods in the transgo kit in the book, I triple checked the fluid and the levels looked good, maybe a bit above the dipstick full reading, I don't think a bit over the line could cause these issues, and from what ya'll have said and a bit more research its really looking like front clutch issues, gonna readjust the front band and see if it helps at all, I am hoping i might have been on the loose side of snug,

-Mike