How to baby your transmission?

[svlkid]

I have a  neighbor who puts his Epic into gear slowly to baby the trans. Another friend says the opposite - less grind and more clunk is better for the transmission.
Who's correct? Do we have any experts out there who can give us a definite answer?

[captmcbk]

ALWAYS - Definitely put your tranny in gear as quickly as normally possible - One does not need to 'slap' it into gear but
 'DO  NOT'  try to ease it into gear while listening to the rattle of the teeth. Certain auto manufacturers  [Mercedes Benz
and Ford in particular]  set up their transmissions to engage quickly. They do this for the longevity of the product. Quite
a few of their customers have inquired about this noting their discomfort with the transmission shifting hard, most notibly
from first to second gear. Automotive automatic transmissions can be  'set up'  to shift with less of a jerk but over time this
'slipping' into gear will take it's toll on the clutches.    So, get it in gear; it is built to handle the jar.     Capt. Mike 

[sailtl]

Straight from an 1999 Epic 21 owners manual Section 1 page 16
Shifting Into Gears
                                        CAUTION
When shifting always move the control lever smoothly and quickly into gear. DO NOT hesitate. Slow gear engagement could damage the shifting mechanism in the transmission. Always allow the engine speed to fall to idle before shifting, or gear damage may result.