Sounds like classic tranny slippage. Check tranny fluid level AND condition to start with. Not sure if your year has input from TPS for tranny, if it does TPS could be suspect. Kick down cable adjusted properly ? I tend to check the free things first I call them, just takes time.

I don't think the hard starting is related. Give it a fuel pressure test just to rule out 1 of the 3, fuel, spark, and air. Could be as simple as a good tune up to a failing sensor and starters get old and worn brushes makes them crank slower if thats what you symptoms are. You don't really explain this, does it crank good or is the cranking struggling ? Do you have the 3 when cranking ? All your sensors can be tested with a simple multi meter.

 

I cannot comment on the hard starting issue, Oswalla has you covered on that. But I have the same problem with the acceleration on my transmission. I also have a 96 motor but a 94 model. I have done a lot of experiments with resetting the
throttle valve cable...almost daily....and they do make a massive difference. I had it perfectly dialed in once, and it shifted like a dream...but the next day it was offset again. I recently bought a new cable but have not put it in yet since you have to drop the transmission pan...not sure how much of a pain the job is. But recently others were suggesting the solenoids...combined with re-adjusting that cable properly is the key. There are several youtube videos that show you how to adjust it. It happens to be super simple but I think mine is slipping. I am not sure how to insert hyperlinks but this is how you adjust the cable. That is my advice for now. I will let you know if I get mine straightened out, hopefully this week!