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Kick down linkage.

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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 10:12 PM
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Laughing Gas
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Kick down linkage.

I was just curious if anybody's truck does what mine does.
Say if I'm going 45mph and mash the gas, the trans will kick down a gear and go!.

Now when I'm doing about 60mph and mash the gas, all it does is accelerate,
it will not kick down a gear like it does when I'm going 45mph.
Is this normal for the C6 auto trans?

I have the kick down rod installed on both ends, i did a search, and really couldn't find out how to adjust the rod if any adjustments are even allowed.

I know there is a screw on the linkage on the carb, so how would i adjust that?
 
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 10:37 PM
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From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Originally Posted by PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
I was just curious if anybody's truck does what mine does.
Say if I'm going 45mph and mash the gas, the trans will kick down a gear and go!.

Now when I'm doing about 60mph and mash the gas, all it does is accelerate,
it will not kick down a gear like it does when I'm going 45mph.
Is this normal for the C6 auto trans?

I have the kick down rod installed on both ends, i did a search, and really couldn't find out how to adjust the rod if any adjustments are even allowed.

I know there is a screw on the linkage on the carb, so how would i adjust that?
I imagine it is a measure to prevent you from redlining the engine. I know when my truck is doing 60 down the highway, I am at about 2600-2700 rpm (460/C6, 4.10 rear), whereas 45 mph results in about 2100-2200 rpm (Allowing room for a downshift). If you went from 3-2 at 60, you would probably redline the engine.


Just a guess. I could be wrong...
-Jameson
 
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 10:49 PM
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Laughing Gas
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Hmm, that's a good point.
So i guess yours does the same thing at 60mph?
I have the 400/c6 with stock gears with i think 354?355? which ever they are stock.
I know at 60mph mine runs about 2600 rpm to.
 
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Old Jun 9, 2012 | 11:06 PM
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From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Well can't say I've ever mashed it at 60 (just hear the gas tank emptying), but I imagine that is what would happen
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 08:28 AM
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It's working correct,for the reason stated.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 09:55 AM
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I agree it sounds correct. Mine does have a small screw adjustment on the carb end where it mates to the carb linkage. I always thought that was for adjusting at what throttle position you want the kickdown to "engage". I haven't played with it as it seems fine to me where it is at.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 09:55 AM
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Cool.
Just wanted to make sure.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted by PRIMERED79 SHORT BED

Now when I'm doing about 60mph and mash the gas, all it does is accelerate,
it will not kick down a gear like it does when I'm going 45mph.
Is this normal for the C6 auto trans?
Might be true for a 351/400....
For my 429 (just for reference I check today) I'm turning 2700 @ 60mpg and when I put it to the floor she jumps to 4200rpm and kicks out into third @ 75mpg. C-6 4.10 & 33's
Here's the adj procedure...
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 03:02 PM
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Tried to follow the adjustment procedure, and when i open my throttle all the way, and push the lever linkage for the kick down rod all the way till it stops,
i have way to much gap between the two levers and the adjustment screw is about a 1/4 or so to short.

I physical can not obtain the required .060 gap.
Is that diagram for all model years trucks?
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 03:21 PM
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What year are we talking about? That is from my 77 manual and my 79 manual does add that when finished if the gap is between .010 and .070 that is acceptable.

Edit: In the end it's the relationship between WOT and the linkage so I believe it spans many years.
.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 03:53 PM
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The truck is a 79 with a 400 out of a Lincoln con.
Not sure what vehicle the carb came out of, it's just a plain 2150 motorcraft.
Found the kick down rod off a JY truck.
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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When I pulled the 400 out of my truck to swap in a 429 I had to make an extension to the linkage. They make a few different linkages so you might have to find another or extend yours. I think they even make an extension kit. I have to look for the link though....

Something like this; from another posting....

 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 05:03 PM
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What's the ball chain used for?
I'll have to snap a pic of my setup and show you what I have.
I'm not sure if I would have to extend the arm, everything is pretty stock for this year truck.
Did ford make different length kick down rods?
 
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 06:59 PM
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From: Lost In a Pit of Despair
Originally Posted by PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
What's the ball chain used for?
I'll have to snap a pic of my setup and show you what I have.
I'm not sure if I would have to extend the arm, everything is pretty stock for this year truck.
Did ford make different length kick down rods?
Ball chain is for cruise control
 
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Old Jun 12, 2012 | 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by PRIMERED79 SHORT BED
What's the ball chain used for?
I'll have to snap a pic of my setup and show you what I have.
I'm not sure if I would have to extend the arm, everything is pretty stock for this year truck.
Did ford make different length kick down rods?
cruse control
We like pics!
But it is too short....
Yes they did.

Back your adj screw off to half way. Then make an extender to make the adjustment correct. That way you will have enough range thru the adjustment screw for fine tuning to what works for your driving style. The factory adj allows for .010 to .070; I like mine to downshift just before the pedal is on the floor....

.
 
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