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.

Here's a Checklist:
....Carburetor opens and closes without any binding?

....At idle, throttle valve lever is forward?

....Carburetor opens and closes smoothly from inside and outside vehicle?

....Throttle valve lever on transmission is all the way back during wide open throttle?
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I notice on my car that a very small adjustment in cable length changes the shifting point.
Shorter, faster harder shifts
Longer, slower softer shift points.