727 not hitting second hard enough

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slidey06

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I just put a tf3 shift kit into my 727 transmission and followed the directions for trailered race specifications.
Right now, it's hitting second and third too smoothly, would be perfect if I wasn't looking for it to slam into second.
Anybody have any idea what the issue could be? I've adjusted both bands properly and tightened the kickdown as much as I could.

Thanks
 
I just put a tf3 shift kit into my 727 transmission and followed the directions for trailered race specifications.
Right now, it's hitting second and third too smoothly, would be perfect if I wasn't looking for it to slam into second.
Anybody have any idea what the issue could be? I've adjusted both bands properly and tightened the kickdown as much as I could.

Thanks

When you say "tighten the kickdown" what do you mean? The TF3 does not require the kickdown linkage. You remove it and wire the kickdown lever at the transmission all the way back. The TF3 converts the valve body to full manual. Is that what you did?
 
When you say "tighten the kickdown" what do you mean? The TF3 does not require the kickdown linkage. You remove it and wire the kickdown lever at the transmission all the way back. The TF3 converts the valve body to full manual. Is that what you did?

I didn’t remove the linkage, I will try it and see what happens, this should fix my issue though? Or a lot of it hopefully?
 
I didn’t remove the linkage, I will try it and see what happens, this should fix my issue though? Or a lot of it hopefully?

It may fix all of it. How about answering my question? Did you install the TF3 and make the transmission full manual shift?
 
yeah that’s what I did

Ok cool, then yes, you eliminate the kickdown linkage and wire the kickdown lever at the transmission all the way back as far as it will go. Wasn't that in the instructions? I've installed a few of these and it was always there.
 
Ok cool, then yes, you eliminate the kickdown linkage and wire the kickdown lever at the transmission all the way back as far as it will go. Wasn't that in the instructions? I've installed a few of these and it was always there.
This kit didn’t have that in the instructions, i hope that’s all it is though, thanks for the help
 
This kit didn’t have that in the instructions, i hope that’s all it is though, thanks for the help

It very well could be. But don't do it if it still shifts automatic. The kickdown linkage is only for the full manual modification. So if that's what you have, that's how it should be.
 
Like rusty said I've installed these trans go three shift kits and it should be fully manual meaning you have to put it in first for it to be in first and take off if you put it in second or third and take off from a start it will start and second or third. You must shift all the way up and all the way down.. take all the kickdown linkage off and put a piece of baling wire through the eyelet of the kickdown lever on the transmission and pull it all the way to the back of the transmission till it can't move and tie it down...
it doesn't sound like this was put on a brand new transmission so always keep in mind that the transmission could have been wore out pretty well before this modification. If the clutches and seals weren't up to the task it could just be creating more problems...
Also there should have been a screw right there where the kick down which ( it's a pressure valve) is where there was something to turn in till it was flush with the outer housing is the general adjustment called for... If this other stuff doesn't work unfortunately you would have to drop the pan again and possibly adjust that in just a little bit more to create more pressure for the shift. Again with the used tranny that might just have even more catastrophic results...
 
I doubt if the KD rod is causing your soft shift. One of the downsides to the TF design is the non-sequential shift action that GM transmissions have. For the 2-3 shift in the TF, a band has to disengage & a clutch has to apply. This timing is critical. Shift kits do not fix worn out transmissions. If the front clutch[ 3rd gear ] plates are worn, I could see a soft[er] shift occurring. Is the pressure reg spring correctly adjusted?
 
I just put a tf3 shift kit into my 727 transmission and followed the directions for trailered race specifications.
Right now, it's hitting second and third too smoothly, would be perfect if I wasn't looking for it to slam into second.
Anybody have any idea what the issue could be? I've adjusted both bands properly and tightened the kickdown as much as I could.

Thanks
For street driving it is recommended to keep the kd linkage if u have it. Racing is when u tie the lever all the way to the rear. Did u install the new manual valve? And adjust it? What is the front lever ratio? How many turns did u set the bands to? What are your clearances? Tell us more. Kim
 
TF-3 info 2.jpg

As RRR Rusty correctly pointed out, you need to have a functioning throttle pressure linkage arrangement or tie the throttle pressure lever fully on or Wide Open or whatever it takes to maximize the pressure.
 
There’s really no point in installing the TF3 with intentions of retaining the kick down linkage IMO. Recheck all the adjustments, wire the lever back and ditch all that linkage nonsense.
 
The linkage is for streetability so it’s not slamming every gear at low speed. Of course some ppl don’t care about that. Kim
 
The linkage is for streetability so it’s not slamming every gear at low speed. Of course some ppl don’t care about that. Kim
I’ve got the TF3 in my 727, everything adjusted per the instructions (can’t recall the front lever ratio) and the kd lever wired back. Full manual, no banging or harsh shifts. Just fast immediate firm shifts at any throttle opening, on the street and strip. Always thought using the TF3 and ditching the excess was an added benefit, not having to continue fussing with linkages etc. Just an opinion is all.
 
Some people also don't realize that there's more to it than just a shift kit to get teeth chattering shifts. The amount of low end torque an engine produces along with the right stall on your converter plays a huge part in how hard it will actually bang into the next gear. Rear end ratio also makes a difference.
 
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