AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Transmission Shop => Topic started by: Baskinator on December 18, 2011, 10:31:52 PM

Title: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: Baskinator on December 18, 2011, 10:31:52 PM
I need to change my throttle/kickdown linkage and I was wondering if anyone knew how difficult it would be to convert it to use a cable? If anyone knows, is there some kind of aftermarket option available or could I make it myself? I have the 258 with Carter BBD (auto of course).
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: captspillane on December 19, 2011, 01:51:48 AM
I've seen the Lokar kit installed on a 258 with TF727 on an International Scout. Its top quality stuff. Those 727 transmissions came with the engine from AMC, but other Scouts had a longer TF727 behind the International V8s. International made a 304 and 345 V8, but relied on AMC to provide 258s and 401 V8s for their vehicles. All the international drivetrains are 4 to 8 inches longer than the equivalent AMC drivetrain. I wonder if the Lokar kit intended for a Scout would come with a longer cable than the kit intended for a Jeep? I'll have to measure the cable on Ray's Scout or ask a Lokar rep before I order one for my car.

Regalwizard, what was the length it came with and what was the length you think is ideal? Thanks!

Phil, we should ask about the wierd shift linkage problem we had. Do you have any pics of the bushing that was too large? Maybe a smaller one is available. You might be stuck ordering the Lokar cable shifter too, since the ziptie I used isn't reliable enough to drive on the road with. As near as I can tell the hole in your shift arm is smaller than the 84 arm, and we'll need to swap that piece unto your trans.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: Baskinator on December 19, 2011, 10:49:34 AM
Dave, I actually just got a new bushing from RockAuto that looks way better, believe it or not they carry them. Still have to get under there and put it in, but the zip tie has been working fine for driving around the yard.

I installed a new ignition coil on Friday night when I got home (it was cheap and I figured I might as well). All day Saturday, I tore out the rest of the seats and carpet to find a few more holes, put in some new light bulbs all around, and removed the starter. Yesterday, I thoroughly cleaned out the starter, installed new brushes and a new snap ring and retainer. I got to vacuum out some of the car and bought some sheet metal from the local hardware store. We're hoping to start welding tomorrow before the rain comes. I plan on painting the entire floor with RustBullet auto paint, and I would really like that spare carpet of yours when it's finished, Dave. We can work something out.

The Lokar cable would be nice I'm sure, but all of their products are way out of my price range at the moment. Someday I'd like one of their cable shifters with that sweet shift boot gear indicator, but that's probably like $400-$500 more than I can afford. I did see in another post something about the cable setup off a Dodge Ram van with TorqueFlite trans. Maybe I could look into that first.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: priya on December 19, 2011, 11:16:04 AM
Does anyone have a link for the Lokar throttle/kickdown linkage kit?  I'm putting a Holley on my 258 so my husband was planning on fabricating them from scratch -  a kit sounds nice.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: GRONK on December 19, 2011, 11:20:35 AM
Priya,  I can assist you with converting the Holley to a down pull (It will use your stock linkage the carter used that way) or making a rear pull rear kick bracket is VERY simple.  You will have some brake booster issues though as it's in the way on an Eagle unles syou are planning on mounting the carb sideways or backwards (booth are doable and work well too)
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: priya on December 20, 2011, 12:02:16 PM
Quote from: GRONK on December 19, 2011, 11:20:35 AM
Priya,  I can assist you with converting the Holley to a down pull (It will use your stock linkage the carter used that way) or making a rear pull rear kick bracket is VERY simple.  You will have some brake booster issues though as it's in the way on an Eagle unles syou are planning on mounting the carb sideways or backwards (booth are doable and work well too)

Thanks Gronk, I'll talk to my husband about it.  He wants to mount the carb sideways just to be different, I'm not sure I'm keen on that idea ( I don't want my motor to look weird).
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: priya on December 20, 2011, 12:12:08 PM
Thanks for the link Regalwizard.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: GRONK on December 20, 2011, 12:37:50 PM
To mount ot sidewaus you need an aftermarket Offy or Clifford intake but it works great.  A lot of circle track cars mount the carb backwards.  it all works pretty much the same.  If you mount it sideways you will sometimes need longer cables for the tranny kick and the throttle linkage but it's all simple.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: Baskinator on December 21, 2011, 12:30:42 AM
Well, I temporarily fixed my kickdown today, so the cable option can probably hold off for a while. Still need to adjust it, but it should hold up for as long as I need it to.
Title: Re: Throttle/Kickdown Linkage
Post by: carnuck on December 23, 2011, 02:29:13 PM
IH started using AMC 6 cyls in '69 till they stopped small truck production. They used the 401 for only a couple years and called it a 400 because they had a RD (red Diamond) inline 6 motor of 401 cubic inches. My '68 Travelall has the last of the IH 6 cyls BG (blue green) 241