727 band adjustment with trans in the car

[SlinktRR]

This is a '70 torqueflite with radiator mounted trans cooler. I just changed the fluid, set 1st/reverse band with a 5/16" square plug socket, and changed to a deep pan with drain and filter extension spacer. All that is good and it runs good, I did 72inlbs and then back off 2 turns and lock the jam nut according to Carl Munro's book. However I cant seem to find a straightforward way to do the same band adjustment for the 2-3 kickdown on the side of the housing with trans in the car.

There is a cooling line and kickdown cable in the way, and even with those disconnected it's tight for using a torque wrench. Can this be done by feel with 5/16" open wrench on the plug while holding the jam nut stationary? Anyone have a combo of tools or technique that worked? I dont have a lift so any ideas that limit time on my back would be appreciated, I will gladly buy the right tools (I managed to get the 5/16" plug socket from amazon) but want to avoid dropping the trans.

 

[R413]

Do it by hand with an open end wrench on adjuster and box wrench on locknut.

Others have been doing this since these care were new, no problem.

 

[gtx6970]

As soon as the nut starts getting some effort to move. Take it between 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Will get you pretty close

 

[SlinktRR]

As soon as the nut starts getting some effort to move. Take it between 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Will get you pretty close

Thanks, do you mean:

1) tighten down the square head adjuster til finger tight, then 1/8 to 1/4" out and lock with jam nut; or,

2) use wrench to snug down the bolt where it's hard to tighten further without effort, then open the bolt 1/8 to 1/4 and tighten the jam nut to lock?

 

[dvw]

Using a small 5/16" wrench without using the torque wrench back it off 1 3/4 turns. It'll be plenty close.
Doug

 

[gtx6970]

Thanks, do you mean:

1) tighten down the square head adjuster til finger tight, then 1/8 to 1/4" out and lock with jam nut; or,

2) use wrench to snug down the bolt where it's hard to tighten further without effort, then open the bolt 1/8 to 1/4 and tighten the jam nut to lock?

Once finger tight. Turn it an additional turn between 1/8 - 1/4 ,, it replicates the 72inch lbs

Back it off the 1+1/2 to 1+3/4 turns ----- Snug down the jam nut -- done

 

[GTX JOHN]

I just snug it up finger tight and back it off 1 1/2 turns.
I have been doing it that way for 60 years with no issues.