When taking off from a stop it seems the trans either shifts hard from 1st to 2nd gear, much like getting a small bump from behind. All other gears are smooth. This is a 97 f150 v8 auto.

Not sure if its like the gear is slipping and then grabs and kicks in, but feels like it.

 

My grandfather (40yr GM tech) was always convinced that a hard shift was good for the vehicle and it meant nothing was worn...

That being said, it's annoying. My 98 had a very clunky tranny when I got it, so I had the Trans fluid changed. Be sure to have them drop the pan and clean off the magnet that catches chunks. Within about 500 miles it shifted beautifully after that.