Transmission Kickdown Cable

[dbdragracing]

I have a 1970 Mach 1 with a 351c, Holley carb, and a C6. I was told that I need a new kickdown cable. Is the only purpose of this cable to gear the transmission down when I step into the gas? How hard is it to replace...can I do it? Thanks for any help, Im new to the old Mustangs.

 

[JDS68Stang]

Yes the cable pulls a trans lever and kicks the trans. down when your under heavy acceleration.
If you understand the basic principal of how the cable works then yes you should be able to replace it but it has to be adjusted correctly.
The cable has and adjustment on it and it should be set to start pulling the lever about 3/4 of the way down as you push the accelerator pedal.
Best if you have a person in the car pushing the accelerator as you adjust the cable underneath, saves time.

 

[dbdragracing]

Thanks for the help. So the cable is attached to the outside of the transmission to where...the carb? Thanks....Im going to try it Tuesday.

 

[JDS68Stang]

I've only owned and wrenched on 65s to 68s. I think yours, a 1970 is different from my 68 so I'm not familiar with what yours is set up like. ( I did a quick google search today and saw differences) On the driver side of your trans. , follow the wire harness down to the nuetral safety switch that the harness connects to, on that there should be a vertical lever with a cable to it, that is your kick down lever. (your linkage will also be connected at this same location)

From there you'll have to note where the cable connects, mine connects on the accelerator rod. Replace yours the same way the old one was hooked up.

Test drive the car after and if it shifts down from 3rd to 2nd under normal acceleration then your cables is to tight, loosen it and test drive till you have it adjusted correctly and only kicks down when you would want it to (heavy acceleration).

 

[dbdragracing]

Thanks alot for your help. I will try this Tuesday when we rebuild my carb. I'll post the results. Thanks again.

 

[68RCodeConv]

IIRC the 1970 Mustangs used a kickdown rod attached to the carb, not the cable attached to the accelerator assembly.

The rods are kind of hard to find. Much better to get a Lokar cable kickdown setup. Very easy to install and easy to adjust.