727 Kickdown Linkage Adjustment - HELP!

Hi guys,
I'm trying to get the kickdown linkage adjusted correctly on my 69 Dart with 340/727, and have followed the service manual procedures. The first step in the manual is to lock the trans lever forward. Second is to put a 3/16" dowl in the bellcrank to lock it in position, then, adjust the rod from the bellcrank to the trans lever. That part I understand.
The next step is to adjust the flat, slotted rod at the carb. The manual says to adjust it while "at rest". I understand that to mean at idle position, or closed throttle. It says to adjust the rod so there is no clearance at the pin/slot interface with a slight rearward pressure if I understand the manual correctly.....which I probably don't.
All the guys I have spoken to say to open the throttle all the way, and adjust the top rod so there is no clearance between the throttle pin and the rear of the slot. If this is correct, how would the rod from the bellcrank to the trans lever be adjusted?
Now I'm totally confused.

Right now the car will shift from 1st to 2nd at about 10MPH when driven normally, and from 2nd to 3rd at about 25MPH. If I "get on it", it will carry 1st gear pretty far, and it doesn't want to shift into 2nd gear unless I let off the throttle slightly. I don't know what RPM it will carry 1st gear to with my foot on the floor as I always get nervous and I let off the throttle so it will shift. The car has 3.23 rear gears if it matters.
What is the purpose of the 2 adjustments? In other words, what effect with each rod adjustment make??

Can anyone give me any pointers or shortcuts to this adjustment procedure so I don't ruin this trans? I cannot afford to rebuild it if I ruin it.

Thanks in advance guys!!!

George