kickdown linkage for 440 six pack 727 trans on 1970 Plymouth Barracuda

[Bama-man]

I need some guidance as to how my six-pack linkage is supposed to work, I'm not even sure if it's the right set up, but I know I am missing parts that connect to my transmission (kickdown rod etc..) Is there anyone out there with a 440 six barrel in an E-body 727 trans. who can give me some help.

 

[pschlosser]

I think I can help, if you're referring to the OEM original setup. I've been recently studying the correct part numbers and parts for 440-6 and 440-4 throttle pressure setups for some 1970 and 71 cars I'm providing input to.

Do you have a free copy of the PDF Factory Service Manual for your 1970 Plymouth Barracuda? Over 1100 pages.

https://www.e-bodies.org/Resources/Service_Manuals/1970_Plymouth_Service_Manual.pdf

It describes the adjustment procedure and has some decent illustrations. Start at page 0-31 of the FSM.

Another useful document is the 1970-71 Chrysler Parts Book. Over 2200 pages.

https://www.e-bodies.org/Resources/Mopar_Parts_Catalog/1970_1971_Parts_Catalog.pdf

Refer to section 14-Fuel and there are a number of illustrations showing the breakout of various throttle and throttle pressure linkages and what-not.

The part number pages are useful to show where a given part was suppose to be found. In same cases, the same parts were used for different engines, so comparing part numbers can be useful in finding the right parts in unexpected places.

I may have some spare parts, if things get difficult. Just let us know.

If you have any specific questions, let us know. There are a good number of smart and kind people on this forum.

 

[pschlosser]

If you find parts, or have some on hand, and you are unclear if they are correct or useful, again, let us know. I'm sure one or more of us can offer an opinion. we like offering opinions, here.

Pictures of your current car, engine, and throttle (driver-side) area will be both entertaining and useful to reference when discussing your car and its current setup.

As you learn things, take notes. It's what I do, and I occasionally draft my own reference documents for various projects.

 

[Bama-man]

thanks for the help Im trying to upload some pictures

 

[Bama-man]

 

[Bama-man]

This is the bottom of my trans fiq 88 at the top shows the exact linkage set up for my 440 Six pack but the bell crank pivot point looks different I have a slap stick auto trans. I asume that lever hanging down is where the kickdown rod should attach not sure still trying to figure this out.

 

[pschlosser]

In your image, LEVER 21-142-12 (at the transmission) does indeed look empty. You're missing P15 ROD 14-11-9.

As you may know, it wont shift right and could damage the transmission without a full linkage setup. At the least, it wont don't shift when you floor it.

How much of the other pieces do you have? When you say the bell crank pivot looks different, which one? The upper bell crank (P3 LEVER 14-26-11) or the lower bell crank (14-14-1) ?

Do you care if the replacement parts are original or will an accurate copy of these missing parts work for your project?

 

[Bama-man]

On the lower bell crank pivot point the arm on my trans is turned vertical the arm in the picture above is horizonal fig. 88 as far as the part I don't care if it's OEM or aftermarket as long as it works

 

[Bama-man]

here is the set up on my car matches fig. 88

 

[pschlosser]

#1 The lever on your transmission looks a little different than I see on other 1970 440 cars. The offset seems larger than I expect to see. Yours looks a good inch offset. Is this the original numbers matching transmission for this car? If so, it seems unlikely that is NOT the correct lever.

The images below show an aftermarket lever, #2536270 that looks identical to the OEM ones I've seen.

I'm pretty sure your lever will work fine, so I would not worry too much about that. Note the lever length is 2 inches hole-to-hole. That's important. If you seek another, the parts book describes the part as

w/340, 383, 440 Eng, 4 bbl Carb, A727 Trans

So it will be easier to find.

In your Post #8, I'm not sure I follow. If your saying the tab with the hole on that lever is vertical, then it may not work. As you can see by my images, the tab (although it is offset by the two bends) is horizontal, or parallel with the ground.

But if you're saying the lower bell crank has something amiss with it, I may need to see a photo, because I'm not sure I follow.

#2 It also sounds as if you are missing the rod (and accompanying clip) connecting the lower bell crank ball stud to the transmission lever. Refer to P14 ROD 14-11-9 in the diagram above.

The image below shows the clip and aftermarket rod, and compares identical to OEM rods.

The parts book describes the part as

Rod, Transmission Bell Crank to Transmission Rod, w/383, 426, 440 Eng, w/A727 Trans

The Steel Spring Clip RH (Right Hand) should be for 5/16-inch rod. These are more common and can be found at many auto parts stores. But wait until you buy the rod, because the rod may come with one for free.

Since these can be found on 383 cars, the parts shouldn't be that hard to find.

Most of the aftermarket places selling these parts want to sell you the whole linkage setup, and charge you $300 or more for the set.

You may find a 383 set on epay for much less. I do not have spares of any of these at the moment, but now that you know what you need, you can post a WTB on this forum, or search elsewhere.

I hope this information helps.

 

[pschlosser]

here is the set up on my car matches fig. 88

Nice engine picture, good job. I can tell you right now, the end of the spring with the bend on it goes into a tiny hole at the end of P2 ROD 14-11-9. There should be a P4 Washer (3/8-inch inner diameter) on there, before the spring hooks in.

 

[pschlosser]

When I zoom on to the upper bell crank ball point, where the spring is hooked to now, I don't think I see the descending P8 14-11-9 ROD connecting the upper bell crank to the lower bell crank. Do you have that? Is it missing as well?

 

[Bama-man]

yes I just noticed that when I looked at the fig 88 again I need to move that spring over to the upper bell crank and find the correct kickdown rod thats missing as well as the lower bell crank set up with rod to the trans lever. BTW I bought this car without any proir info or knowledge of what was in it I assumed it was a 727 Torqueflight Trans.

 

[pschlosser]

yes I just noticed that when I looked at the fig 88 again I need to move that spring over to the upper bell crank and find the correct kickdown rod thats missing as well as the lower bell crank set up with rod to the trans lever. BTW I bought this car without any proir info or knowledge of what was in it I assumed it was a 727 Torqueflight Trans.

I'm guessing it's a A727 3-speed automatic as well. I see a clue that suggests it may not be an original 440-6 car, but I'm not criticizing.

That middle P8 ROD 14-11-9 #2951495 is darn hard to find OEM original. It came only on 440-6 cars, 1970-1971.

When I've needed that rod in the past, I had to buy the whole Throttle Pressure Linkage setup to get it. More than once, I've bought one off epay, only to find out the seller was wrong, the rod was the 383 one, which is too short.

I've used this in the past:

Brewer's Performance - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission and Component Specialists

 

[Bama-man]

You are right it is supposed to be a 318 car, but it's a convertible so that makes up for the fact that it's not numbers matching car. I know a guy close by who might have the right parts I just could not figure out what was supposed to go on there. Thanks you have been a great help I think I got it figured out now.

 

[pschlosser]

If your hand is forced and you cannot find the parts locally, at least you know you wont have to pay more than $400 to get all the parts you need using an aftermarket setup. Good luck, and let us know if anything else comes up.