Hurst shifter install question

[devilgear]

OK I am in the middle of installing my Hurst V-matic 2 shifter and I have a question. I am supposed to replace the transmission shift lever. I got that, but there is another shift lever above it that goes up to the carbs. What the heck does this thing do? Do I need it? It seems to not move when the transmission lever moves. So I am not sure what it is and does. I feel dumb for not knowing, but any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[kab69440]

I believe that to be your kickdown linkage.

[devilgear]

I'm sorry for being so dumb, but what does it do? I have heard the term, but not positive of the use. The directions did not mention or show this at all...

[Ghoste]

It is absolutely necessary.  It is too much mistakenly referred to as the kickdown linkage because of the role it plays in allowing your transmission to "kick down" into a lower gear when you are accelerating from a cruising speed.  It's real and far more important purpose is indicated in the Chrysler name for the lever which is the "throttle pressure lever".  In short, what it does is to raise the hydraulic operating pressures inside the transmission so that they correspond to the higher torque loads of the engine as rpm is increased.  Eliminate it and the trans won't be able to apply enough pressure to the bands or clutches to enable it to operate in a load condition (manual valve bodies excepted of course).

[devilgear]

Ok cool. I did disconnect it thinking it was part of the shifter, but I can put it back no problem.I broke the little tab at the bottom of it that holds it in place, but I can find something to secure it with. It's funny cause I don't know how it works though, I can't for the life of me see how it's triggered. If I move the transmission linkage it won't move with it. Whatever. I'll just put it back.

[Ghoste]

It's kind of a shaft within a shaft if you can visualize that.

[devilgear]

Now I'm on the hunt for the kickdown linkage clip. I broke it taking it off so now I need. Ugh... Always something. The local Oreiley did not have the right size. Hmm.I'm gonna call a transmission shop to see if they may have them.

[LeadfootBob]

It doesn't move with the transmission linkage, but rather with the throttle. If you feel like spending some  Lokar (and others, i'm sure) has a setup that replaces the linkage with a wire, nice stuff. On my old Dart we fabbed our own using a throttle cable from an old Honda 750, worked pretty well after the initial "calibration".  Plenty of ways to make it work

[devilgear]

Well I fixed my old clip by drilling a hole and inserting a screw and spacer. It seems to work well. Got the shifter install finished yesterday. WORKS AWESOME...