I have a 2005 LR3 and it has the hard downshift to first. I'm not sure of any way to fix this. I don't think its a mechanical issue as I can drive in sport or any off road mode and it doesn't do it. I also have upgrade tires and a roof rack so my 5 speed transmission doesn't like cruise control at 78 miles per hour as it always wants to stay in 4th gear.

Can you swap the 6 speed tranny into a 5 speed vehicle? Has anyone done it?

 

What do you talking about ? Your 2005 LR3 has 6 speed ZF transmission already.

 

I thought it had a 5 speed. It's a pooch compared to my wifes lr4.

 

75 hp will do that. Your wife's LR4 has 75 hp more ...
2010 Land Rover LR4 ? Review ? Car and Driver

If it's 2014 or newer LR4 then it has an 8 speed trans with 3.0 V6 with 340 HP.