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Adjusting kick down cable on aod

73 bronco 347

Full Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
I have a 73 bronco just installed a aod in it and only have 1st gear as only forward gear. Research said that I don't have cable adjusted right. Can anyone give me advice on easier way to adjust this? The cable came with the transmission brand new. I believe the guy that I bought it from stated he got the cable from bc broncos. Thank you in advance.
 

suckerpunched

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2006
Messages
882
technically you should use pressure gauge on the test port on the right hand side of case and set pressure via the cable at idle. there are youtube videos on how to do it. I used an oil pressure gauge I had laying around. You are not supposed to run it unhooked or loose, as it causes the transmission to run at too low of a pressure, and could damage something.
By the way, I'm no expert transmission guy, It's just what I learned messing with mine.
 
OP
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7

73 bronco 347

Full Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
Where on the right side is the test port? Do you know what the pressure should be at idle? I you tuned it but the cables are different so it's hard to adjust.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,071
It's not a kickdown. It is a TV (Throttle Valve). It has to be installed and adjusted correctly. If you are hooking it up to a standard ford kickdown at the carb, that is very wrong. It will never work that way. It follows the throttle full range. 10% throttle is 10% TV, 50% throttle is 50% TV.

If it is not adjusted right it is very easy to smoke the transmission just going around the block. The TV does the function of the vacuum modulator and the kickdown combined, but mostly the function of what the vacuum modulator did on old transmissions.

Is this going on a carburetor or EFI?
 

englewoodcowboy

Lick Creek Restorations
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
4,201
The factory setting is meant for factory cars and should be used as a minimum preassure to set at. There is a supplemental for road testing and tuning for the transmission. You should be able to give light throttle, approx. 1/8 pedal and you want your 1-2 shift to happen at about 10mph, 2-3 should happen at 30, 3-4 at 50 or so. If it is shifting too soon you need to tighten the cable, too late loosen but don't drop below the min psi setting. Due to tires, gearing etc. we have found that the drive and tune method to get the shift points where they are supposed to be results in a much better driving vehicle. Remember to set by psi first and if it is shifting too late then you need to reduce tire size or increase gear ratio as the transmission depends solely on the TV and governor for shifting. The TV controls the pressure more than it does shift points but they do work together as far as how the valving works with spring pressure etc..
 
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7

73 bronco 347

Full Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
Man this is a pain I am back out in the shop trying to hook up oil pressure gauge. If I have to shorten the tv cable I will not get full throttle.
 

suckerpunched

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2006
Messages
882
if thats what the problem actually is, I think you will be loosening or lengthening the cable to make it shift sooner.
 
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7

73 bronco 347

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Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
Problem with this cable is there is just 1/2 inch max of adjustment. I can't seem to get it right. Gonna go buy fittings tomorrow to hook oil pressure gauge up. Has anyone used one of these bc broncos cables?
 
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7

73 bronco 347

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Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
So just to make sure the only way to adjust the pressure is to adjust the lever on the side of transmission and then I want that about 33 pounds at idle is that correct
 
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7

73 bronco 347

Full Member
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Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
Ok I hooked a gauge up and with the cable disconnected I have approx 70 psi. Any suggestions? I am at a loss.
 

suckerpunched

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2006
Messages
882
sorry I dont know enough about it. But I am pretty sure thats your problem. if you pull on the cable does it go even higher? any chance the cable or linkage is binding and not allowing something to return all the way?
 

Hazegray

Sr. Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2004
Messages
795
Sometimes it's the pressure valve itself inside the valve body sticking...do a search. Mine is a little sticky, but I run a light pressure return spring on the TV lever at the transmission to bring it back to within specs. Not perfect, but it works for now...
 
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73 bronco 347

Full Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2016
Messages
235
Ok more help needed please. With the tv cable disconnected and the tv lever returned all the way I have 70 psi at idle. I pulled the pan and the lever is not stuck and seems to be functioning properly. When I cycle the lever with the pan off fluid comes out the slot in the valve body like it should. Any suggestions?
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,071
Let me get this right. You had 5PSI. Adjusted to max and are now at 70 PSI. Did I miss something?

At idle, can you cycle the TV cable while watching the pressure?
 
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