wave snap ring question ?

I like to use flat snap rings in the front drum but you still need to set the proper clutch clearance. Just putting in a .060 snap ring may not be wise without checking the clearance. That's why those snap rings are selective.

I do not replace the wavy spring in the rear clutch drum, again set the proper clearance.

EDIT: Just to clarify the rear clutch drum is applied in all forward gears so removing the wavy ring from there won't change the way it shifts, just the way it shifts into forward gears from neutral or reverse.

A 4.2 lever is fine with the T/A valve body, no it won't make it shift harder in every gear, it does improve the holding power of the front band which is second gear.

And if you really want it to smack into gear make it a clutch flite. With no converter to soften the blow they are just brutal. BTW if you have a loose converter you aren't going to feel it shift hard.