I have a '98 Subaru Forester with automatic transmission and all wheel
drive.  The 1st to 2nd shift is very abrupt, even if you're accelerating
gently.  It feels even a bit more harsh than a full-throttle shift.  The
fluid was changed but that didn't help.  One mechanic says there's nothing
that can be done aside from rebuilding the tranny.  The same mechanic says
this tranny has no filter and no bands which makes me skeptical of his
knowledge because I've never heard of an auto tranny without a filter or
bands.  A long time ago you could adjust bands, change the shift harshness
by turning a screw, etc.  Is that no longer possible?

Thanks,