Ford Repair: Ford AOD problems (TV Cable), ford aod transmission, aod problems

Question
Hi, I recently sourced a Ford AOD transmission for my 1980 351 Cleveland powered Australian Ford Falcon. The importer only told me that the kickdown had to be connected for the trans to work properly, he did not give me the cable and said that my existing mechanical lever may work from my old trans (FMX). Initially everything worked but slipping between gears. After about 10 mile of driving, I lost 3rd and OD. I started car up next day, reverse worked fine, but only had 1st gear and it would just free-rev through any other gear. I want to know if the auto is stuffed, and what is stuffed and needing replacement, or if I just need the Lokar TV cable and bracket for my carby and all be fine again? Any Info would be of great help.
Regards,
       Rob...


Answer
Rob-

  While I don't speak Australian all that well, I'm assuming by "stuffed" you mean ruined.  I don't know that anything is necessarily ruined and in need of replacement, so I'd start by fixing the TV cable problem and then seeing how everything works after that before replacing stuff that's still good.  One big problem you'll be needing to address is the fact that carbs and TV linkages don't usually get along well.  The Lokar cable could work...I don't know about it specifically but their products are usually high quality.  If you've got a Holley carb, a place here in the states called Sacramento Mustang used to (and might still) sell a TV cable adapter for around $100.  Aside from the adapter, you'll also need to get the cable properly adjusted.  This really needs to be done by a transmission shop since it requires some special tools.  Hope this helps.

Steve