Bent Transmission Kickdown Linkage - Where to Find Replacement?
Bent Transmission Kickdown Linkage - Where to Find Replacement?
Hi guys,
Last month I rebuilt the engine in my truck, and in the process, I bent the transmission kickdown linkage (P/N: 4307597).
I've been trying to locate a replacement to no avail. I see there are a number of cable-style replacements compatible with older LA V8s equipped with carburetors, but nothing for the TBI LA V8s, let alone the 238/3.9L LA found in our trucks.
I just moved to Vermont a few weeks ago, and unfortunately, there are no salvage yards nearby that have a late 80s Dodge that I could pull the part from. Rust kills vehicles quickly up here; most trucks of our vintage been crushed by now.
I've read this thread with users claiming driving without this linkage can damage the transmission in as little as 40 to 200 miles, but I've driven my truck over 1,000 miles with no issues aside from it being sluggish for obvious reasons. Driving in the mountains here with no kickdown and poor acceleration sucks.
I could make the trip to a salvage yard in New York or Massachusetts, but I'd rather not drive too far assuming the damage claims are true.
I'd greatly appreciate if anyone has some insight as to where I may be able to find the part I'm looking for, or if anyone has it, I'd be willing to pay top dollar for it.
Last month I rebuilt the engine in my truck, and in the process, I bent the transmission kickdown linkage (P/N: 4307597).
I've been trying to locate a replacement to no avail. I see there are a number of cable-style replacements compatible with older LA V8s equipped with carburetors, but nothing for the TBI LA V8s, let alone the 238/3.9L LA found in our trucks.
I just moved to Vermont a few weeks ago, and unfortunately, there are no salvage yards nearby that have a late 80s Dodge that I could pull the part from. Rust kills vehicles quickly up here; most trucks of our vintage been crushed by now.
I've read this thread with users claiming driving without this linkage can damage the transmission in as little as 40 to 200 miles, but I've driven my truck over 1,000 miles with no issues aside from it being sluggish for obvious reasons. Driving in the mountains here with no kickdown and poor acceleration sucks.
I could make the trip to a salvage yard in New York or Massachusetts, but I'd rather not drive too far assuming the damage claims are true.
I'd greatly appreciate if anyone has some insight as to where I may be able to find the part I'm looking for, or if anyone has it, I'd be willing to pay top dollar for it.
Last edited by Alexander Buck; Nov 22, 2021 at 02:08 PM.
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So how badly did yo bend it? It isn't as if it is a lot of stress on it when you mash the pedal. You might be ok by just straitening it in a vice and or using a propane torch to soften it as you bend.
Searches with that part number indicate you might be able to go up to a 91 3.9
Otherwise search "Used Auto Parts" and there will be some salvage yards who do online selling. Hollanderparts is one, there are others. I've never used on but Ralph seems to have good luck with that option when he needs something.
Searches with that part number indicate you might be able to go up to a 91 3.9
Otherwise search "Used Auto Parts" and there will be some salvage yards who do online selling. Hollanderparts is one, there are others. I've never used on but Ralph seems to have good luck with that option when he needs something.