2-3 shift hesitation ?

It sure does sound like 2nd to 3rd is overlapping. I had that problem on a A 518 I did once except it was 1st to 2nd gear. To confirm mine was overlapping on my A518 I jacked the truck up and started it out in manual low and held the gas steady at 25 mph and shifted into 2nd. The wheels came to a complete stop then it kicked into 2nd. That was severe overlap.
I've heard controversial things about using the 5.0 kickdown lever. Some say the 4.2 is the best to use. I'm getting ready to rebuid my 727 for my Cuda and bought the 5.0 lever for it then read several places that the 5.0 lever don't release fast enough and can cause the overlap. I'm very curious as to what Chris will say about it because if he says that I'm off looking for a 4.2 lever.

Good luck with it. Tracy