torque rod??????

The proper name of it is the "throttle pressure linkage". The term "kickdown" has been adopted cause it's easier to remember and without it the trans will have no passing gear, same as a turbo 350. The reason it's named throttle pressure linkage is because it varies the line pressure in the transmission to regulate shift speeds and firmness. Since it regulates line pressure it is a must have or the trans will burn up real fast. A alternative to using the stock mechanical linkage setup is a Lokar or Bouchillion cable setup.