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71 GTX, 727 3rd gear won't engage unless I lift off the gas?

1967GTX440

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Hi Guys, I just picked up a 71 GTX 440-6pk (born U code 4V) car last week. It's having trouble shifting into 3rd during normal cruising (haven't tried WOT yet). Once I let me foot off the gas she'll "clunk" into 3rd. The 1 - 2 shifts are nice and will occasionally chirp when I'm driving a little spirited, LOL. I plan on changing the fluids soon, maybe that will help?

Thanks
Dave - Wakefield, MA
71 340 Duster
71 440 GTX
GTX-right Side1.JPG
 
Check the transmission kickdown linkage adjustment. It may be set too long, making the transmission think you are using more throttle.
 
As mentioned above, check how your current throttle pressure linkage is set up in relation to your carb throttle pin. If it's moving the rod too late after the throttle is already open it's possible the front clutches could be damaged if it has been regularly subjected to a load in 3rd gear without having sufficient line pressure increase. I just rebuilt a '65 904 that wasted the front clutches due to an improper throttle pressure setting and had the exact same symptom as yours.
 
It does sound like mis-adjusted throttle/kickdown linkage. How does the 2-3 shift feel when does happen? Don't let it go too long without attention.
 
Take a nice clear detailed photo of your drivers side throttle linkage at the carb and post it here.
 
I will - stand by, thanks guys!! It makes sense since the car was changed from a 4bbl originally.
 
My guess is that the cable adjustment is too tight. I would back it off to where there is little or no tension on the cable at idle and go from there. Just my take on what I see. Let's see if you get more responses.
 
From my experience, a Lokar cable set-up is hard to get working correctly. Best to break out your wallet and buy correct linkage. A&A Transmissions sell reproduction linkage parts.
 
Have somebody sit in the car and press the throttle all the way to the floor. Adjust the cable so that the kickdown lever on the trans hits it's full travel stop while the throttle is being held open. If that doesn't fix the problem, then the cable adjustment is not the problem and you'll need to dig a little deeper..
 
What you picked up LOOKS DAMN NICE !!!

What was the question again ?

LOL

Details on the car when you have time
 
Looks like a Bouchillon cable. Loosen the nut holding the cable bracket and move the bracket forward. Get a flashlight and find the kickdown arm on the trans (you can see it from up top). See where the cable starts to move the arm and adjust it so you can start to move the cable a touch before the arm moves.
 
You guys are GREAT! I have a Lokar kickdown cable on my 71 340 Duster and it was a little work to get that adjusted as well. I'm hoping this will remedy the situation - thanks guys! I will keep you posted. Have a nice Easter!

Dave
 
Last edited:
Well guys I moved the kickdown cable toward the front of the car by about 1/4" and BOOM! it shifts nicely into 3rd while just cruising along. However it doesn't kick down at all (at WOT), but I can manually drop it into 2nd. But I'm thrilled to be able to cruise and have 3rd gear. I need to adjust the shifter stops on the column so I don't drop it into 1st by accident then I'll see what is going on with the kickdown adjustment.

THANK YOU!! I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR INPUT!!

Dave C
 
If you don't have full throttle kickdown then you need to adjust it so that the arm on the transmission is at the end of it's travel at full throttle.
 
I have it on my lift now so I will check that out - thanks QKcuda!
 
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