possible downshifting issues????

Downshifting isn't necessary. Unless your doing autocross or on a road course. If just street driving its over kill unless your going to pass someone. These a bodies are light. Downshifting to slow down is just extra strain on the engine. thats what brakes are for. Ive had my A833 rebuilt and notice that i sometimes cant go from 2nd to 1st above 15mph or so. But you gotta think 2nd isnt really a passing gear. At normal cruising youd more than likely be in 4th. If went to pass by going down in 3rd should enable you to. Also gotta think, 4th to 3rd is a straight shot, going from 3rd to 2nd requires the shifter to go in three different directions, down over then down. Also are your linkages adjusted correctly? Seems i have to adjust them every year, i can tell because when i shift from 4th to 3rd i can hear a slight grinding sound then i know its time to adjust