In 3rd gear the fwd clutch & front clutch are applied in the front half of the tran. back half is the direct clutch & O/D overrun roller clutch is holding. If all of a sudden when going into 3rd it locks up (by the way power flow goes) it sounds like the 2nd gear band isn't releasing. But that still don't explane the sluggish in drive.. hummm. so it does this with a bone stock 42rh valve body then too correct? Will need some pics of the wider band too. I always run through the gears on jack stands so I know I have all gears before it hits the pavement.