904 shifting question

[WayneT]

I'm wondering if my 904 is shifting properly. Under normal acceleration it shifts into 2nd at about 10 mph and 3rd by 30 mph. Heavy acceleration moves the shift points up about 5 mph. I've adjusted the throttle linkage 2 ways with no difference in shift points. 1. Throttle closed and kickdown all the way forward. 2. Throttle at full open and kickdown all the way back. The tranny has a fresh rebuild. Is there something else to adjust? I'm also running a 2300-2500 converter and 3.55 gears. Any ideas?

[ben440brown]

First, some questions need answered: (reasons in parentheses)

(1) Is the trans from a vehicle with 3.55 gears?? (possible governor mismatch)
(2) Is there an aftermarket intake/carburetor on the engine?? (tv linkage geometry altered from stock)
(3) one piece linkage to trans? (linkage hits firewall)
(4) three piece linkage? (binding, rust on pivots, etc.)
(5) Return spring on tv linkage? ('floating' linkage operates erratically)
(6) Linkage operates freely throughout range?? (possible parts mismatch)

Try an adjustment somewhere in the middle, not the two extremes you tried already. Remember -- the linkage pushes on the throttle lever, so lengthening the rod increases the TV pressure, shortening it decreases the throttle pressure. (lever on trans all the way towards rear of vehicle == maximum pressure)

Run through the list, try adjusting it some more if everything seems ok with the linkage.

Good Luck

ben 440

[WayneT]

1. The trans is a '73, my Challenger is a '70. So I know it's not the original. I have know idea what the governor is setup for.

2. It has a 6bbl setup.
3. One piece linkage, but clears firewall. (checked that already).

4. Linkage operates freely and has a return spring on it.

2 more questions...

Is the governor adjustable or can it be swapped for a different one? (you lost me on this one).

Will driving it like this cause excessive wear or damage?

I would like to correct it if possible since I just dumped good money into a rebuild.

[BugEyedValiant]

It sounds to me that you may have an incorrect setup of throttle linkage in your car. Do not drive until it is fixed, because all it is doing is slipping from lack of line pressure.

[ben440brown]

WayneT - - the governor isn't adjustable like the TV linkage, but there are several different counterweights available. There is at least one article in back issues of Mopar - oriented magazines, but I'll have to dig around the stacks of magazines to find it. That would be the easiest way for you to learn about it/ work on it.

Sounds like the linkage is OK, too. I am not familiar with the 6-pak setup. Still, i would try adjusting the linkage somewhere in the middle of the adjustment and see if the shift points change. If it still shifts really quick, but not mushy, the governor could be the culprit.

Try it out under light throttle. But if it is slipping, don't drive it any farther, but adjust to give it more pressure, then try again.

Good Luck

ben