Lazy 2-3 shift?

[HT413]

So I'm sitting in the maternity ward holding my brand new daughter and I just can't get my lazy 2-3 shift out of my mind.

She's a 727 with a forward pattern manual valve body and some sort of shift kit / shift improver (the tranny, not the baby girl) she has a b&m holeshot converter that really is basically just stock.

Everything works great, kickdown is tuned in just right according to the FSM, 1-2 shift is firm and quick. However, she just doesn't want to go into 3rd under about 3500 rpm and the only way to do it is to shift into 3rd then let off the throttle and engine brake, then she'll go in. Below about 3200rpm she won't go in no matter what. Around 4000 rpm and up she'll go right in but maybe a bit slow?

Please help ease my mind boys, tell me it's just a band adjustment, my baby girl is very upset about it.

 

[A383Wing]

I'm thinking band adjustment, sticky servo, or maybe line pressure is too low. Another possibility is that kick-down linkage is adjusted too tight

 

[ram250098]

holding your brand new daughter ...and thinking about your car...you know your a car guy when.....congrats

 

[coronet340]

Please help ease my mind boys, tell me it's just a band adjustment, my baby girl is very upset about it.

Better be careful using your baby girl as leverage, she might just learn and use it against you. lol

 

[hemi#1]

I just rebuilt my torque flight. adjust your 2-3 band to the proper inch pound spec. I think it's 80 " # of torque adjust and readjust it twice. and take it out on a road test. see what happens.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Manual valve body? Why is the throttle linkage hooked up? It sounds like there is too much throttle pressure. It wont shift until governor pressure overcomes the throttle pressure. Not sure what you have going on when you say you have a mvb with a shift kit. Do you have to shift manually?

 

[HT413]

Honestly, rebel, I'm just piecing it together by how it acts, it came with the car. When I got the car, the throttle linkage was not connected properly, and the shifts were mushy as hell. So I connected it and it fixed it but now it doesn't want to get into 3rd unless I drive it like I stole it. What you are saying makes sense, I need to look at this again.

Thanks A383, hemi#1, if the throttle linkage doesn't do it, I'll check the band next.

Oh, and my daughter just sighed in relief (she doesn't like to see her daddy so deep in thought.)

 

[67Satty]

Mine was doing the same thing, I adjusted the linkage to give it a little more pressure and that solved the problem.

 

[383man]

Manual valve body? Why is the throttle linkage hooked up? It sounds like there is too much throttle pressure. It wont shift until governor pressure overcomes the throttle pressure. Not sure what you have going on when you say you have a mvb with a shift kit. Do you have to shift manually?

This is what it sounds like to much throttle pressure to the trans. I would adjust the throttle press rod first for a little less throttle press and see what it does. Its all external adjustment so it wont cost a thing to set it. Thats usually what it is when you have to lift the gas pedal to get it to shift. All that happens for third gear is the front clutch applies and the kickdown band releases. I had some over the years where the seal in the front drum is also worn but definetly check the throttle press first. Good luck , Ron

 

[b_body_hopeful]

Had the same problem and found that the kickdown cable was too tight. Would shift from first to second ok but really had to pass itself to get to third. Placed more slack in the kickdown cable and car shifted like it should. After I was satisfied with the shifting....went after kickdown problem cause I loosened cable too much. Final adjustment with cable and I got what I was looking for.

BTW, tell the little one to hold on, daddy will get it and when he does, you can go for a ride.

 

[HT413]

Okey dokey fellas, I loosened up the kickdown and all is good! My little baby sighed and took a nap knowing daddy's car is good to go. She's in good hands with you fellas.

 

[Hemi Rebel]

Better be good to go. I presume it will be her ride home from the hospital

 

[451Mopar]

Not going into third until a higher RPM is most likely the kickdown linkage adjusted to far back, or the line pressure (on the valve body) it too high.
Slow 2-3 shift could be a restrictor installed in the case as part of the shift kit, too many springs in the front clutch drum, or fluid leakage past the seals for the front drum and/or front servo. A front servo kit like shown below fixes the front servo fluid leakage issue and firms up the shifts.

 

[HT413]

Better be good to go. I presume it will be her ride home from the hospital

I think I'll do it. Wife had a c-section so will be uncomfortable, so she'll appreciate the massage by Mopar. At least I hope.

 

[b_body_hopeful]

Good looken little one. Hope the car runs well for you as not to wake her. lol

 

[miller]

She's a beaut! Congratulations!

 

[HT413]

Been a couple of weeks, great news! She's shifting smooth as a baby's bottom! Oh, and, er, the other 'she' is sleeping like a baby, which of course she is (a baby, that is).

Here's a picture of the girls on their way home from the hospital. Do you detect a little grumpiness about my picking them up with the Belvedere?

Nah, me neither.

 

[HT413]

Mrs. 413 and baby HT-Etta enjoyed the ride. One of them slept through it, one of them did not. Any guesses on which was which?