some info on a 440

There's a proper way to rig that linkage and I don't think you're supposed to lock down the rod that way. On your kickdown linkage bracket just out of the picture to the right, there should be a hole in the bracket, and a hole in the bellcrank, to properly rig it, you mock the throttle wide open, then adjust the linkage so a pin of some sort (I think I used a big cotter pin or drill bit) will go through both holes. Then you release the throttle, and the throttle pressure rod (aka, kickdown linkage) will need to be able to come forward all the way.

All of this is borrowed from memory, so it may be a little off...but I seem to recall the method is in any Haynes/chiltons manual for any vehicle with that engine/trans combo...so if you can find a manual for that series of pickup, it's probably in there.

Did you adjust your bands yet? Is the fluid level correct?