Just a simple question for you guys. I have a Ford AOD (1983) and I'm trying to install a Lokar cable to replace the OEM rod. I think the TV arm got pushed forward a bit too far and now the TV arm will not spring back. I've applied gentle force, but it won't spring back yet. Is it ok to attempt this again with a bit more force, or does the pan need to be dropped to resolve this issue from the inside?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

Don't push it, pull the pan and get it back on the valve, replacing the arm is far more painful

 

James - Thanks for that info even though it wasn't quite what I wanted to hear! I didn't understand what the heck was going on but I saw this video on Youtube which showed the mechanism internally.
In this video, Curt describes how the rod can get stuck and when they rebuild a transmission they modify it so it won't happen again. He did not describe what this change was. Since now I need to drop the pan anyway, is there some kind of change I can make myself to prevent this issue in the future?

Thanks!

 

Don't push it too far.

 

Yeah, I think I figured that one out already. Next time it's going on hand-tight only. Even though I had a wrench on it before, I didn't think I was anywhere near putting too much torque on it. Seems like a definite design flaw.

The best lessons in life are the most painful or expensive. Consider me educated.

 

You can tighten it very tight. Just hold the arm.

 

Ok, all is resolved now. I dropped the pan to get access to the stuck TV valve. Once I got inside it became obvious what the problem was. The TV arm slips behind the valve and gets stuck. Here is a picture of mine:





Pic. 1 Showing arm stuck behind TV valve

Here is a snapshot from the video I mentioned earlier. I see where they have added a bolt with a flat head to prohibit the arm from going behind the valve:




Pic. 2 Showing modified TV arm with bolt inserted

My TV arm was kind of wedged in there, but I stuck a big screwdriver against the arm and gently unstuck it. I'm a bit concerned about the TV rod being a bit scuffed, but I think it's ok.

Thanks for all the input. You guys have rescued me from my own stupidity. I'll be back on the road soon.