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When adapting the original AOD transmission to an earlier vehicle, proper
TV valve operation must be achieved. Do not use a traditional Ford carburetor
"kick-down" lever to actuate the TV linkage, as this will not work and
will likely cause transmission damage due to low TV pressure. To obtain
functional carbureted TV linkage, you should either refer to an original
CFI or carbureted car for dimensions and proper geometry or purchase a
cable system such as the "Total Performance" kit or the 1991 carbureted
5.8L LTD police package pieces (listed below). Special thanks go to Mike
Braun for providing the part numbers listed in the chart below.
| Part Number | Description |
| F0AZ-7F042-A | TV Cable |
| F0AZ-9A758-B | Throttle Cable (may not be necessary) |
| F0AZ-9728-A | Throttle and TV Cable Bracket (intake manifold mounting) |
| E1AZ-9725-A | Shaft Assembly |
| F0VY-7F136-A | TV cable bracket (transmission mounting) |
If all else fails, use the common sense approach, making sure that the TV lever on the transmission is at idle when the throttle is at idle, and likewise for full throttle. There is some extra travel built into the transmission’s TV lever to allow for adjustment, so that a small amount of transmission lever travel (but not too much) may be left at full throttle. Be careful that the transmission lever does not bottom-out and prevent the throttle from opening all of the way. Regardless of how you fabricate your TV linkage, you must provide a means of adjusting the TV rod or cable length in addition to providing the correct linkage ratio.
As a general guideline for adjustment, keep in mind that low TV pressures
cause soft, early shifts, and can be corrected by lengthening the linkage
rod (or tightening the cable) , while high pressures cause harsh, late
shifts and can be corrected by shortening the linkage rod (or loosening
the cable). If in doubt, err on the high side of normal, because too much
TV pressure is always better than too little. The ideal factory setting
for TV pressure in an AOD is such that a TV cable equipped vehicle will
have no slack nor any tension in the cable with the throttle fully closed
(at curb idle position, engine need not be running). These guidelines may
also be used for TV rod configurations. TV pressure may be raised slightly
to improve transmission shift feel and to raise part-throttle shift-points.
Avoid going too far with TV, as coasting down-shifts will become harsh
and "clunky". If doubts prevail, consult a professional for assistance
with your TV linkage.