Ford O Matic question


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By flathead_jr - 14 Years Ago
Just installed a 292 with a Ford O Matic in my 54 Customline, and it works and shifts fine and all, however it seems to shift into high gear a little to soon, and won't kick down at all. I didn't seem to have as much movement as there seems to need to be with the detent. I have an idea I'd like to try, but want to make sure before I pursue this solution with a few suggestions. Thanks.......Ryan, Rexburg, Id
By 56 ford custom - 14 Years Ago
You have to adjust the t.v. rod. Thats what I had to do on my 56.
By oldcarmark - 14 Years Ago
Try shortening the rod a couple of turns and see what effect that has.Sounds like its too long right now.
By 'GB'ird - 14 Years Ago
I don't know whether the 54 Customline has the same/similar arrangement as the 55 Tbird. If so this article might be helpful

http://ctcc9.blogspot.com/2009/02/tech-tip-automatic-trans-shift.html

Regards

Richard

By LON - 14 Years Ago
I think you rod has to be lengthened ,not shortened ???? I had the same problem with a 57 T'bird .Tried to shorten the rod and it was worse .Wound it out a couple of turns and now it shifts perfect .This also fixed the kickdown problem as well .When the rod was shorter it would not kick back to second gear when nailed ,nor would it kick back to first gear from a standing start .

Lon 

By GREENBIRD56 - 14 Years Ago
The Fordomatic linkage set-up directions are shown in two places in the car manuals - and it isn't all fully explained in either one. Because the pedal height (off the floor) shows up in the transmission manual - and not the shop manual - it is often overlooked. If you don't have something like 4-3/8 between the back of the gas pedal and the floorboard  - the linkage probably won't progress far enough into the "kickdown" slot to make the shift.

As the pedal advances toward the floor, the carb primary throttle blade moves to wide open - and then the linkage continues to travel in the "kickdown slot". It is made so that you can get WOT - without continuing into kickdown. If the pedal is too close to the floor (a very common problem if someone has just been fooling with the kickdown rod length alone) then you can get a rough part throttle shift.

When I put a later type carb on my '56 - the primary throttle rod position on the primary lever - the hole to mount it - wasn't at the same point as the "teapot". It therefore didn't have the same rotational travel as it went to WOT. So, after some measuring of both carbs - I drilled an additional hole in the "newer" 4160 model Holley so it would match the travel of the old carb. You could then use the factory set-up sequence.