My transmission seems to be slipping...torque converter??

Ok that makes sense about the kickdown. The instructions in the service manual aren't very clear about that or the initial setting of the shift cable. The arm that actuates the manual valve has been welded on the bottom of the shaft it pivots on. Apparently it broke at some point and thats how it was repaired. I will take a look at the transgo instructions. Hopefully they did it right. I'm skeptical of that due to the quality of the weld job.