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Author
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Topic: Do I need a kickdown rod
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GA69FBCleveland
Journeyman Posts: 9
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 02-16-2002 06:12 AM
   
I want to replace a manual trans with a C4. I have a 850 double pumper without the kickdown linkage that works great on the car now. My budget won't allow me to purchase another. If I do not use a kickdown and down shift manually for a while, am I going to burn up the clutches in the C4?
Thanks,
Billy------------------
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IIblue74
Gearhead Posts: 162
From: memphis,tn
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-16-2002 08:33 AM
In a word, YES. The only way you wouldn't is to modify the valve body for manual use. I thought I would do the same and the trans lasted maybe a thousand miles. The kickdown adapter is only ~10$ but I had to add a 1" spacer on my 289 performer to clear the intake. Total ~30$ to SAVE the trans.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 29373
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-16-2002 05:08 PM
No, it won't hurt a thing. It will only not allow you to downshift into passing gear with the throttle.My Sprint hasn't had a kickdown since 1980 and I don't even have a desire to install one. When I want to downshift, I just grab the shifter. IIblue74, you're thinking of a throttle cable on an AOD. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 M code 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 open
'72 Mustang Sprint Coupe 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Lok
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
'97 Probe GTS 2.5L DOHC
MCA Member # 47773
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kid vishus
Gearhead Posts: 3689
From: middle of NC
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 02-16-2002 05:24 PM
I ran my C4 without a kickdown and proceeded to burn it up after about 6 months. My trans builder told me it was due to lack of a kickdown rod. So I spent some money and bought the Lockar cable, (already had a 750 with the ford kickdown hookup). Burned that trans up too. 
I think it had more to due with the wrong guy putting my transmissions together than lack of a kickdown on them. But thats just my opinion 
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5395
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-16-2002 06:43 PM
In my limited trans. knowledge, can't see how the lack of a kickdown would lunch the unit. The advantage in having one is in a panic situation where a sudden burst of speed is needed-merge lanes, goosing it quick to get out of harm's way, etc. The moment of having to manually shift down in a split second move could make the difference when time is critical. They're cheap, and it's made for them. Just my 3 1/3 cents.
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Fastymz
Moderator Posts: 8189
From: Reno Nv USA MEM#1240
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 02-18-2002 01:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
No, it won't hurt a thing. It will only not allow you to downshift into passing gear with the throttle.My Sprint hasn't had a kickdown since 1980 and I don't even have a desire to install one. When I want to downshift, I just grab the shifter. IIblue74, you're thinking of a throttle cable on an AOD.
I too dont think you need one.My trans guy told me it dose not hurt a thing.
I have not had one for 4years now. But I like KV respons the best.  SCOOP
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65 coupe,351w,RPM intake,Carter625,shorty headers,2.5 exhaust, Flowmasters,C4,open 8" 2:80,Big Boss 429 hood scoop,Crager SS,Black Suede.
MEM#1240 https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Fastymz.html
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 17471
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 02-18-2002 09:39 AM
You will not hurt anything on a C-4 without a kick down rod except your right arm.  All the kick down rod does is place the trans in second gear manualy. ON AOD's it is critical to have the TV cable installed and adjusted, but on a C-4 it makes no difference. The trans has a modulator to control upshifts at part throttle and a governer to regulate full throttle upshifts. ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator
NHRA/IHRA/SRA member
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA National Record Holder '00, '01, & '02
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28
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Rory McNeil
Gearhead Posts: 993
From: Surrey, B.C. Canada
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 02-18-2002 12:30 PM
I have ran C6`s for years without a kickdown for years, never had any problems. On AOD`s as well as Mopar Torque flites, the kickdown IS neccasary, as it control`s line pressure, but not on a C4 or C6.------------------
78 Fairmont 428 4 speed 10.20@130mph
80 Fairmont 302 5 speed 12.8@105mph
85 Mustang NHRA Stocker under construction, 302 5 speed
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