[Texasbigblock]

if you think the drums are the problem try adjusting the little adjuster on the back to tighten them up a little and see what happens. Also, im not much of a tranny mechanic but i do know that the vacuum line hooked to the modulator on the side of the tranny would not cause it to start in 3rd. When that line comes unhooked it usually just wont get out of 1st. Sorry i couldnt help you more.

God Bless, and thanks for serving us!