AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Transmission Shop => Topic started by: bramc on April 12, 2022, 05:08:58 PM

Title: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: bramc on April 12, 2022, 05:08:58 PM
First of all––I don't do any heavy repairs myself, so I'm oftentimes flying blind with my questions. Here in Georgia, there were never many Eagles to begin with, so repairs and salvage have been very, very difficult to find.

I have a repair shop that SORT OF understands my car, but I also think he's never really worked on one before. He's not a hack, though. He says my kick down rod is "gone" and he assumes it's unobtanium. After a long search I'm afraid he might be right. I can find very few photos or illustrations so I'm not sure whether or not there's another swap out there (maybe a CJ?). Also, what collateral parts like screws and gaskets will I need to acquire so that a mechanic can get it all done once he digs in there?

If this topic was covered in the past I apologize. I try and dig as deep as I can here but I haven't quite found the best workaround to search specifics yet. Thanks for reading.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: mudkicker715 on April 12, 2022, 06:50:43 PM
no worries post away.
yes it's difficult to find one. maybe look to Chrysler from that Era like a 727 or 998 trans also 904. idk if it's the same rod.  long ago someone made me one from the than  nest. I looked and lost it in my move.anyway it's just a rod that is adjustable at the carb. without it your tranny will burn up.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: vangremlin on April 12, 2022, 07:16:06 PM
You can also look on Car-Parts.com.  They have an inventory of many junkyards across the country and there are a lot of Eagles included.  Even if they don't list the kick down rod, you will be able to contact those yards that have an Eagle to see if they still have the part(s) you need.  The site also has an app.  Good luck!
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: rmick on April 12, 2022, 11:44:25 PM
With a little ingenuity you could make one from a cable. Lokar sells one for Chrysler 727 transmission
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: Canoe on April 13, 2022, 01:59:53 PM
The trick is, it's NOT a simple kick-down. It's proportioning valve adjustment? Or some such?

As mudkicker715 says, it has to be adjusted correctly or it will trash your transmission.

Any chance you know which end is shot? The top by the carb, or the other end that gets adjusted at the valve lever.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: Taylor on April 13, 2022, 03:27:00 PM
You should have something like the photo below. The upper components are circled (2) in yellow and (2) yellow arrows. One part is painted white. There is a rod running from just by the right arrow down to a linkage on the drivers side of the transmission.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: bramc on April 13, 2022, 03:54:11 PM
Huge help! I'm printing out pictures and links right now. I know I'm not even close to having all the info I'll eventually need so thank you in advance.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: mo.eagles on April 13, 2022, 05:54:38 PM
If you go into EPEDIA scroll down to "how to section" then to automatic transmission, cable/rod adjustment, it will show you a good drawing of that linkage. 
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: MIPS on April 14, 2022, 03:30:05 PM
If you go into EPEDIA scroll down to "how to section" then to automatic transmission, cable/rod adjustment, it will show you a good drawing of that linkage.

I *really* wish there was a better photo or a better description on what to do. Even the TSM is kinda confusing in the context of rods and slots.
I used that two years ago to make an adjustment and immediately knew on the test drive it was wrong. Went back, tried it again and that seemed to work, but I still don't actually know what I did or if it was done correctly. (well it had to be correct, or I would of fried the bands years ago)
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: Taylor on April 14, 2022, 05:57:12 PM
The link for the Eaglepedia article I think will help.
Has a good diagram of the lockdown rod.
http://amceaglesden.com/guide/Throttle_Cable/Rod_Adjustment_-_4_%26_6_Cylinder_Cars
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: bramc on April 15, 2022, 08:39:37 AM
I have printed out all of the photos, diagrams and articles and taken them to my mechanic. Thanks to all for this. I'll repost when I begin to make progress.
Title: Re: I've been told I need a new Kick Down / TV rod for my 1984 Wagon
Post by: Trooper on April 15, 2022, 08:01:40 PM
I have a spare spring clip...I sent you a PM.