Auto Trans. Shifts real hard into 2nd gear and hard shift into Rev.

I might add to all the good info...when shifting into reverse, there is a "reverse" boost pressure valve in the valve body, and with a higher idle reverse can be "aggresive" also is there a shift kit installed, if so most of the time the line pressure is increased which causes harsh engagement of all clutches/bands. [this is good for us hot rodders!] So in the long run: line pressure should be checked/ low/reverse servo pressure should be checked prior to any "valve body' adjustments are made. Of coarse follow the above checks first, it could be as simple as the "kick down linkage" out of adjustment/spring missing!

If its not in the air...it aint leavin hard enough!