Hot Rods 4 speed hydromatic

Do you need to have the cut down linkage hooked up for a 4 speed hydromatic to function properly 371 olds in a 46 ford truck. Built in the early 60’s

 

If you're talking about the kick down or throttle pressure linkage I would say yes and it has to be adjusted properly too. Not enough throttle pressure and the upshift will be lazy and the engine speed will flare. Too much throttle pressure and the shift will be late and harsh. The downshift can also be very harsh. Most of my experience comes from early 50s hydramatics so your experience may differ.

 

The throttle pressure rod needs to be pulled all the way forward at full throttle to be able to downshift.

 

friend bought a restored cameo, all the kickdown linkage was missing, on the cameo the kickdown linkage is complex. it wont shift worth a dam if its not right.and trying to find the correct linkage is impossible.