68 'Cuda 318, 727 downshift to first hard

[MrJLR]

As I'm coming to a stop, when the transmission shifts to first (automatically, not manually) it shifts really hard.

Is this a sign that I need a rebuild or is this just an adjustment?

 

[Leftovers]

Mine did that after adjusting the kickdown lever too much. You might try backing yours off a little bit at a time.

 

[MrJLR]

Mine did that after adjusting the kickdown lever too much. You might try backing yours off a little bit at a time.

Located by the carb?

 

[Leftovers]

Yep. It should have a threaded rod. Pull it off, lengthen it about 1/8 to 1/4", then hook her back up and try it. It doesn't take much, maybe a couple turns.

 

[MrJLR]

Yep. It should have a threaded rod. Pull it off, lengthen it about 1/8 to 1/4", then hook her back up and try it. It doesn't take much, maybe a couple turns.

Awesome! I'll try that tonight! Thanks!

 

[Leftovers]

Good luck, it worked for me.

 

[fishy68]

I agree it sounds like it's the adjustment but you shorten the rod to back it off, not lengthen it. That adjustment is real touchy sometimes. For that reason I adjust it no more than 2 turns at a time.

 

[AJ/FormS]

Two things come to mind
A too-high idle speed,and
A faulty governor
Adjusting the KD link, may be a bandaid solution.

 

[MrJLR]

At least none of these things are pointing to a full rebuild. ......that's a bunch of money that can go to other stuff the car needs !

 

[Leftovers]

I agree it sounds like it's the adjustment but you shorten the rod to back it off, not lengthen it. That adjustment is real touchy sometimes. For that reason I adjust it no more than 2 turns at a time.

Fishy 68 has it right. I was bassackwards ops:. Shorten the rod a couple turns at a time...