727 lokar kickdown cable installation help needed.

i have question about the kickdown cable initial set up. I have a return spring at the transmission lever holding it forward as well as throttle return spring. I can move the transmission KD lever rearward about 1/2 inch before I can feel the internal transmission kd spring give resistance. I checked 2 spare transmissions and they do the same. Does this 1/2 inch travel get taken out before tightening the ferrule at the carb? I took it for a ride (A999) and it feels like it shifts way early to 3rd gear. Dogs on hill when moving slow.