Is there really a differance between 383 and 440 kickdown linkage?

[MxRacer855]

When I purchased my '68 from someone in Kentucky in July, we noticed right away how the piece of the kickdown linkage that connects to the carb was missing. It originally had a 383 motor that he swapped for  a 440. The trans is slipping and I'm currently having it completely rebuilt and freshened up. I got the missing linkage piece, but I'm not sure if he replaced the linkage as well. I see that the 383 and 440 linkage have different part numbers everywhere I find them. My question for you guys that know or have done this engine conversion is, is there really a difference between the two linkages? Roughly $400 is a lot of money to spend on a few metal rods.

Thanks
Jeff

[A383Wing]

yes..there is a difference...the one piece that runs down over the top of the trans is longer because the 440 engine is taller than a 383.

the piece that runs from carb to lever on the back of intake is different also, although I don't know why...2bbl & 4bbl pieces are different as well

Find the right pieces or yer gonna be rebuilding that trans...again

[ACUDANUT]

You can make either one work. The key is to make sure the trans rod moves back, everytime time you give it gas.  (The carb and trans rod move as one).

[MxRacer855]

Thanks guys! Without saying, it was and still is definitely a problem. So if I decide to replace it just so it's not all mixed and matched... any idea on where to get the linkage? So far I've got Yearone for $400 (and of course it's DISCOUNT EXEMPT!!!!).

-Jeff

[Mopar Nut]

You might try,  

http://www.sixpackperformance.net/


great bunch of guys.

used here

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,106600.msg1282891/topicseen.html#new

[Jdwicked]

I was in the exact same boat you are. $400 is a lot to spend on a few pieces of metal. i used this http://www.bouchillonperformance.com/trans_kickdown_cables saved me a lot of money made my b&m shifter install easier and i haven't had any problems so far.

[BSB67]

You can easily fashion an extension onto the vertical rod

[MxRacer855]

I might have to do that to the vertical rod to save some money. I'm beginning to think that the 383 linkage that is currently on my car isn't in the greatest shape either. So new linkage (new/used, just not mine) would be nice. The cable that you used really works well? I'm seriously going to consider that as an option. Thank you!

Jeff

[A383Wing]

there's a member here selling a complete set for $100....easy & done

[MxRacer855]

I saw that and got super excited! I messaged him and he responded "the sale on that is currently pending"... so he'll notify me if everything doesn't work out with that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! As you said "easy and done"!

[ODZKing]

  get the correct stuff or in the long run you'll wish you had.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,106600.msg1289378.html#msg1289378

[MxRacer855]

He still has the sale on that linkage pending... I'll definitely make sure to get the right stuff. Especially after the work that's getting put into my transmission.

Jeff

[oldcarnut]

Sorta in a similar mess but just a little confused. I swapped a 440 motor from a 70 Challenger into my 70 RR.  I'm not sure if the linkages was correct or not because the Chally originally was a 318 and I have no idea what was done for the swap before I acquired it.  I have all my linkage from the 383.  Eventually I'll be building a 6bbl motor but using the other 440 for now.
I looked at a picture of a 6bbl linkage set http://www.sixpackperformance.net/images/big/bb440-6_kickdown.jpg from these guys.  To me it looks the same as what's on my 383.
I can make a longer rod or extension if necessary for the back but is what I have on the 383 correct for a 440-6bbl by the pics?  I'll post a pic of what was on the 440 to be rebuilt  maybe somebody could identify it as correct but it only had a one pc down rod.

[oldcarnut]

Here's what is on the 440.  Orange  motor is in the RR with a Wieland intake and the second the 440 rebuild core

[68charger440]

I have a similar situation also,  I had both the 383 and 440 linkages and I didn't know they were different except for the vertical piece, so when I put mine back together I just grabbed pieces and put it together until it looked right. So are there some measurements somewhere that we all can use to verify that we used the right pieces?

[florida66]

Thank you for the pics. I was having an elderly mental moment on how the links and brackets run down to the transmission.

Thanks!!!