727 kickdown question. **thanks**

[572b1cuda]

my car has a 440-6 with a 727 and factory kickdown linkage. it is shifting from first to second but not into third. if i disconnect the linkage from the carb i can manually shift through all of the gears, but i know its no good to drive it that way so i wont. so do i need to extend the linkage or shorten it? what is the right way to set up the factory linkage? i have owned lots of 4 speed or full race cable shifted autos but never one with a stock kickdown setup, so any help would be great. i know they make aftermarket set ups but i would like to make this set up work because i am thinking on switching it to a 4 speed later down the road anyway.

[FJ5_440]

When you say you have the factory setup, do you mean factory 3 piece for a 440-6, or factory 3 piece for a 440 4bbl, or what?  The factory 4bbl linkage will not just work on a 6bbl setup.  the rod on the firewall will need to be lengthened, and a new rod to the top linkage pivot will need to be made.  The top rod can be made out of steel round stock and threaded so the old linkage end screws on and allows adjustment.  The firewall rod can have a connecting nut and a piece of threaded rod screwed onto it to lengthen it. both of these modifications can be done with simple hand tools and about 5 bucks in hardware store pieces.  Let us know what linkage you are starting with, and we can help more.

[572b1cuda]

hi shane. to be honest i am not sure which setup is on the car as i didnt put it together. i bought the car like this and it was a running driving car but was apart because the previous owner had the carbs sent out to holley and had them all redone but never put them back on the car. my friend used to own the car and i am pretty sure it is the right linkage on there because it worked when he had it.

[Moparal]

Sounds like you have the kick down linkage ajusted to far back, if you srew in the adjuster some you should have all three gears. It may even shift into 3rd gear the way it is, but you may have to get way up in the revs first.

[572b1cuda]

thanks al, i did move it back but i have not been able to drive it yet. i am waiting to see if my radiator can be repaired or if i need to buy another one. thats what happens when the previous owner lets a car sit for 17 years.

[Moparal]

the further back you move the lever on the trans, the longer it will take to shift into 3rd. the closer the lever moves forward towards the engine, the quicker it will shift into 3rd. It's adjusts pressure

[572b1cuda]

do i need to have a spring from the carb to the pivot mount by the firewall to hold tension on the kickdown rod? there was not one on there and every pic (schematic) i see has some type of spring in that spot. could that have been the problem? i still cant drive the car since my radiator checked out no good and i wont be getting one till tomorrow.

[tactransman]

Here are some pics;

[Moparal]

about time you jumped in Terry. Im not very good at explaining things like you

[tactransman]

I figure pics would help more than anything?   

[572b1cuda]

that is the same setup i have on my car, but i dont have the spring that goes from the carb to the pivot by the firewall. i would imagine that needs to be on there.

[572b1cuda]

just took the car for a ride and the car shifts great.(i know its raining,but couldnt wait) and i just put a radiator in the car last night. i did have to shorten the rod. i think i know why, they had it rigged with a threaded rod from the carb lever and when i put the right bracket on the carb it moved it back about 7 1/16 into the right spot. the threaded rod that was on there was a little more forward on the carb lever so they had to lengthen it. i want to thank everyone for their help and time.