hello to all this is my first post and course it has to be in the 911 sorry

i have a 1996 ford e350 7.3 l diesel 16 foot cube van that i am moving back home with in couple days of course. i have noticed that when it is coming in out of 1st gear (tranny is automatic) that there is a shudder and and it is noticeable. so i would guess that as in all my endeavours that the tranny is shot or going to be (as i need to travel 1800 km) any ideas to what this is and when it will blow up on me . every thing loaded on truck leaving soon

any help at all thank you all that can give me some idea on whats up.have wife and child also it is so important that i talk to some one if they are interested i would be willing to call any where to talk to some one Canada/U.S what ever easier to explain over the phone than on Internet
or i am taking it in to mister trans in Kingston any how. just want some ides so i don't get soaked for this