904 poor 1st to 2nd shift

[furz4]

I had my 904 rebuilt and asked for a TF-2 to be installed, it never really shifted much better then stock so I took it back and found out they had only installed the TF-1 which explained the type of shifts I was getting. I had them install the TF-2 and my shifts were much improved 2nd to 3rd now has a great shift but 1st to 2nd still is just kinda weak. I talked to the tech at transgo and he said it sounds like they installed the kit but I probably have a low ratio shift lever in the transmission. He recommended go to a 3.8-4.2 shift lever and of set the line pressure 2 turns in from flush. He didn't recommend blocking the acculimator. Has anyone here ever changed the shift lever with the trans in the car? Some have said it is possible if you remove the starter and use a long exstension with a universal. My combo is 318 .030 stock type pistons, 340 cam, 600 holley on on a small high rise 2 1/4 dual exhaust with turbo mufflers. I recently changed from 2.76 to 3.23 gearing it runs good for what it is but the 1st to 2nd shift is disappointing. I have a trans pan gasket leak and will be dropping the pan soon to change the gasket so I will get a chance to take a look.

 

[CudaFactHackJob]

That's a wierd thing for the tech to say, since it sounds more like the shop didn't install the kit right; plus the fact that the valve body would have to be dropped to change the lever; that's when you check the valve body...easier first step.

 

[RustyRatRod]

That's a wierd thing for the tech to say, since it sounds more like the shop didn't install the kit right; plus the fact that the valve body would have to be dropped to change the lever; that's when you check the valve body...easier first step.

Doesn't the transmission have to come out and converter removed to access the plug to remove the kickdown lever?

 

[furz4]

I went through and re-adjusted throttle cable and the kick-down linkage just to make sure it was all set correctly. Automatic shift points are a little low but pretty close, not too surprising since I switched from 2.76 to 3.23 gearing, trans works good I would just like to get a first to second to shift like the 904 with a TF-2 did in my charger. When I pull the pan do fix the gasket leak I guess I'll pull the valve body and go through the TF-2 instructions step by step. I have read the kick down lever may be changed in the car but I haven't heard from anyone who has actually done it yet. I might give it a try once I am convinced the kit was done correctly. I don't understand why the transgo tech didn't like blocking the accumulator mopar shift kits had a blocker rod for it.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I went through and re-adjusted throttle cable and the kick-down linkage just to make sure it was all set correctly. Automatic shift points are a little low but pretty close, not too surprising since I switched from 2.76 to 3.23 gearing, trans works good I would just like to get a first to second to shift like the 904 with a TF-2 did in my charger. When I pull the pan do fix the gasket leak I guess I'll pull the valve body and go through the TF-2 instructions step by step. I have read the kick down lever may be changed in the car but I haven't heard from anyone who has actually done it yet. I might give it a try once I am convinced the kit was done correctly. I don't understand why the transgo tech didn't like blocking the accumulator mopar shift kits had a blocker rod for it.

I don't think it can be. The believe only way out for the pin it rides on is through the front and that means the converter has to come out.

@VOETOM can tell us for sure.

 

[furz4]

I think the though it you slide the pin forward just enough to clear the lever and you don't take it out. I am skeptical at best. Someone said it on the internet must be true, not always.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I think the though it you slide the pin forward just enough to clear the lever and you don't take it out. I am skeptical at best. Someone said it on the internet must be true, not always.

I tagged Tom Hand. He'll know for sure. I'm almost 100% positive there's not enough room for that. I know the pin won't come out the back side, because it bottoms in a blind hole in the transmission case.

 

[Bewy]

The most worrying word from the OP I see is the word 'rebuilt'.

If clutch clearances & band adjustment are wrong, then these are the symptoms you can get.

 

[Duster346]

Has anyone here ever changed the shift lever with the trans in the car? Some have said it is possible if you remove the starter and use a long exstension with a universal.

I've changed the 2nd gear apply lever in the car before with a 9.5" or smaller converter. Anything bigger than that, the starter ring gear will likely be in the way. Removing the starter will have no benefit as it is on the opposite side of where the shift lever pin and plug are.

 

[Ricks70Duster340]

I went through and re-adjusted throttle cable and the kick-down linkage just to make sure it was all set correctly. Automatic shift points are a little low but pretty close, not too surprising since I switched from 2.76 to 3.23 gearing, trans works good I would just like to get a first to second to shift like the 904 with a TF-2 did in my charger. When I pull the pan do fix the gasket leak I guess I'll pull the valve body and go through the TF-2 instructions step by step. I have read the kick down lever may be changed in the car but I haven't heard from anyone who has actually done it yet. I might give it a try once I am convinced the kit was done correctly. I don't understand why the transgo tech didn't like blocking the accumulator mopar shift kits had a blocker rod for it.

I've always installed the blocker rod. All the accumulator does is to cushion the 1-2 shift anyway. Does not hurt to install the rod!