Kickdown Linkage

[jayrose19]

I just put a new 727 transmission in my 71 Dart. The transmission shifts very early and I have no passing gear. I have read that improper adjustment of the kick down linkage can cause his problem. Is that correct and how can I fix it?

Ay advice would be appreciated.

 

[65Val]

From under the hood, push your throttle and the kickdown linkage all the way back....They should "bottom-out" at the same time. If not, adjust the KD linkage by threading in or out on the sliding front piece. Go for a drive and see if that works.

 

[memike]

Yes it will hurt the trans so if your power valve/kick down valve is not
opening, like 65Val said adjust it out farther, if it is to short and hitting the body you may have to lengthen the rod at the trans by cutting and adding 2 to 4 inches to it, good luck and drive it softly until it stays in 1 gear longer and your passing kick down will begin to come to you.

 

[OldmanRick]

I copied this from another forum, but it pretty well tells the story. This is a simple but critical adjustment as it's the throttle pressure not just the kickdown. Failure to have it right will eat a trans up in a short period of time. If i had a car available i would make a video to place as a sticky because this issue comes up a lot. Sadly i don't, but maybe someone can so we can have a quick reference for it..........sorry for the mini rant... And yes, the 904/727 adjustment procedure is the same.


"Here's the correct adjustment procedure. With the engine OFF, lock the gas pedal on the FLOOR with a pedal jack....or someone's foot. Then make sure the carburetor linkage is open ALL the way. After verifying and or correcting that, look at the kickdown linkage. With the throttle still opened ALL the way, the kickdown linkage should be all the way BACK towards the firewall. If it is not, adjust it accordingly. Finally, get under the car and look at the kickdown rod where it goes into the lever on the transmission itself. If you can push the lever on the transmission BACK at ALL, you should adjust it so that it is ALL the way BACK towards the REAR of the car with the throttle still ALL the way on the floor. You may need to readjust at the carburetor when finished on the bottom. But when you are done, the transmission lever AT the transmission MUST be ALL the way BACK when the throttle is ALL the way open. Lastly, the kickdown MUST have a return spring on it. Not just on the carburetor, but also on the kickdown linkage itself to pull it ALL the way FORWARD when the gas pedal is released. Failure to have this spring installed can result in very hard shifting going into drive, reverse and second gear."


Read more: http://forums.moparmusclemagazine.c...4-kick-down-linkage-adjustment/#ixzz2IZmJ0ALJ

 

[memike]

Well dun/said Rick :cheers:
and I agree it would be a good video sticky for this forum :happy1:

 

[Moparparts]

There are differences on the lower trans bell crank, center rod, trans rod and the lever on the trans from a 904 to a 727 and of course the 2bbl and 4bbl carb rods are also different. If you want it to operate correctly you should have all the right pieces for the 727. I have correct 727 SB pieces available if you need them PM me

 

[OldmanRick]

There are differences on the lower trans bell crank, center rod, trans rod and the lever on the trans from a 904 to a 727 and of course the 2bbl and 4bbl carb rods are also different. If you want it to operate correctly you should have all the right pieces for the 727. I have correct 727 SB pieces available if you need them PM me

Mp is exactly correct as far as all the linkage geometry goes. Knowing the end result you need and the best way for you to get there is important. Whether it all the proper parts for your combo, or some fabrication/adjustments of rods and brackets, in the end you gotta get the rod/linkage doing it's job to save the tranny.

 

[jayrose19]

Ok, I have made progress. The transmission shifts properly now, but I still have no passing gear. Take a look at the attached picture (if I uploaded it properly). I am all the way to end of the linkage rod connecting to the transmission. It was originally up against the flared portion of the rod. Is the linkage wrong or am I missing something?

Thanks for all the advice up to this point. You guys are great!

 

[Snake]

Ok, I have made progress. The transmission shifts properly now, but I still have no passing gear. Take a look at the attached picture (if I uploaded it properly). I am all the way to end of the linkage rod connecting to the transmission. It was originally up against the flared portion of the rod. Is the linkage wrong or am I missing something?

Thanks for all the advice up to this point. You guys are great!

I have the 727 behind my 360 4bbl and that rod looks like what i have

 

[tekslk]

They dont pay old man rick just for his good looks, hes smart too. I ending up using the lokar kit and they didnt shift that nice when they were brand new.