Exploding Torqueflites

It's a matter of shift timing. Without the L/R band apply the only thing needed to shift to second gear is to apply the front band. If you have the L/R band applied then you have to release that band and apply the front band to achieve the 1-2 shift.

This is why the T/Flites never shifted 2-3 very well because they have to release the front band and apply the front clutch to effect the shift.

Timing two events to happen at the same time is much harder than just making one event happen.