As to #1;
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say, the engine has too much Idle Power is why it bangs. Take some Idle-Timing away, and see what happens. It could other but this is the easiest test.
As to #2
the trans should NOT be going into LU that early, the RPM is way too low. Has the rear gear ratio been changed or really tall tires installed, cuz either of those are gonna affect the governor.
As will the KD adjustment and the line-pressure. I would be hesitant to blame the one specific model or year for these annoying characteristics.