Sarge,
You are on to something.
Boot on left side is shredded. Looks recent because I have been checking. I
did notice when I jacked up that the right CV (axle shaft end) had
significant play when I would move tire back and forth hitting park (play at
inner end near transaxle, good boots).
When I go from reverse to forward or other way the whole drivetrain seems to
want to come out, major clunk.

Would the CV's and maybe axle shaft cause the car to not go past first gear?
It will go reverse and first gear no problem and smooth/ fast (except major
clunk) but will not up shift. I hate to replace axle shafts and then still
not have 2nd gear and up.

Thanks
Tom