The "kicking" you are having would be becasue we have a "lockup" type torque converter. They all do this in OD, you just don't usually notice it.
If you say it is bad all of a sudden, it is probably because the rest of your suspension, or your motor and/or transmission mounts have worn.
I'd just check and make sure your mounts are half decent. There are solid replacements available for the stock hydraulic ones. A good indication of the motor mounts being bad, is if your oil pan is resting on the frame or close to it....