]I have a '69 Charger R/T 440 automatic that I originally bought in 1970. About twelve years ago we installed a used 1976 440 and Torqueflite trans. Both came from a good running truck, although the engine and trans were not original to the truck. I was told the trans had a shift kit in it, which I believe by the way it full-throttle upshifts. Problem with it is when in Drive it shifts normally from first o second, but then to get it to shift into third I have to run the car up to approx. 40-50 mph. It then shifts as it should, (meaning no overlap). Then, when slowing back down from speed, it downshifts (noticeably) at approx. 20 mph.

The car has a Bouchillon kick down cable, supposedly adjusted according to Bouchillon's instruction booklet. The car is also running a tight 3500 rpm converter and a B&M flex plate (The 440 has a cast iron crankshaft). I'm told the trans has an internal problem and will have to be rebuilt. I was hoping maybe someone on here has had a similar problem. and if they did, what did it take to fix it? I realize a rebuild should care any ills, but I don't want to go there unless it's necessary to make it shift as it should. Thanks for any and all input.

Steve

Stay away from the person telling you it needs to be rebuild.

Just adjust the throttle linkage properly - your symptoms match too high throttle pressure - lever too far back - or you have a bad ratio issue between the carb lever and trans TP lever.

As for downshifting at that speed I would imagine you need a spring to return the lever forward at the trans.

This site needs a "woe is me---torqueflite" section.

hi ,
your trans is prob ok .

the person who installed the shift kit prob installed the sleve on the throttle psi valve wrong ,

that will cause that exact problem !

flip it 180 and reinstall it trans will shift normaly .

Disconnect the TP cable at the trans lever and allow the lever to come full forward then drive the car and see if it shifts into 3rd at normal speed. If it does, the cable adjustment is the problem, if not it's internal.

Thanks for your reply Transman. Sounds like great advice. I'm going to completely go back and (re)adjust the linkage when I get home next month. (I'm currently in Arizona and the car is in Illinois.) Adding a spring to the kick down lever should not be a problem. Thanks again for taking time for my post.

Thanks Calrobb2000 for your response. I'll check out the sleeve installation on the throttle psi valve. It wouldn't surprise me at all to find the sleeve installed 180 degrees out. Once I determine the problem I'll repost. Many thanks again.