So, whether I didn't maintain it as well as I should have or it's just the mileage on the car (500k+), but the AW70L is hanging, badly, in first gear. I'll have to run the motor up to 5000 rpm sometimes to get it to shift to second. Shifts perfectly when cold, gets progressively worse the hotter the transmission gets.

I've had the valve body rebuilt ($500) with no change. Have completely lost faith in the transmission shop I'm using. Acquired one of the Volvo training manuals which shows problem areas for particular faults and have narrowed it down, I believe, to the governor seals. Unfortunately, I'd have to buy the seal kit for the entire transmission (another $500), just to get the seals for the governor.

Wondering whether anyone here has experience rebuilding the AW70L who might be able to lend a hand either through advice, reference to a reputable shop, has a governor seal kit they'd let go for a reasonable price, ?

Older posts on this topic directed folks to just swap out the transmission with one from a junk yard, but they're getting far and few between these days, at least where I am in Northern Colorado.

Any and all advice and thoughts greatly appreciated.

Jack