[MaddogK]

That jump in acceleration could be an improperly set 'detent' cable for the transmission. The detent cable simply controls when the transmission pulls a downshift (or passing gear) as the transmission shift point is based on pressure built up from the pump rpm vs the position of the throttle (sensed by the detent cable).

It may be properly set and could be a sign of a slow shift due to worn clutches or bands in the auto tranny.

Those rubber parts look like the insulators around the headlight lens. Those parts are used around the lenses to keep them from rattling around between the bumper and fender openings when you hit bumps- the halogen bulbs don't take kindly to being bounced around.