BAD MECHANICS - Thermostat and Radiator Fan Blade

Yes, the kickdown linkage should look like this - and it should have a light spring to pull it forward (you can see mine just under the kd rod. The way the OP's is hooked up, the kickdown cannot possibly be working right, and maybe not at all.

View attachment 1716187844

Oof. When I bought my dart, the linkage was screwed up like OP. I fixed it fast, but the trans (904) still failed less than 200 miles later when the clutches welded together.

I hope OP has better luck, but he needs to fix it ASAP.