My 88 2.8v6 5 spd manual trans jerk in between shifts. I know I know your gonna say "maybe you can't drive a standard", but I've been driving standard trans vehicles for awhile. Anyway it jerks right after clutch has fully engaged and is most noticeable when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. The only ways to get a smooth shift is to ride the clutch or drive it hard. The shifter is smooth and not binding and the clutch does not slip at all. I'm wondering if the damper springs in the clutch disc is dead or possible my rear control arm bushings are soft? I've inspected the rear c/arm bushing and they seem tight. I'm also wondering if the long beam that connects the rear diff. to the trans which runs parallel with the driveshaft has a rubber bushing on the trans end of the beam have anything to do with this? Thanks for any replies in advance.

 

I have seen something like that happen when a motor is in a poor state of tune. Not making enough power to move the vehicle easily.

 

As Mike said, make sure the engine is running good. If it is running good, you may want to look at the motor and transmission mounts, and the torque arm bushing at the transmission tail. Although, when the torque arm bushing goes you get some nasty cluncks when it bangs up against the floor.