HOW TO: ADJUSTING A 700R4 TV CABLE

#1 cause of failure in a 700R4: the TV cable isn't adjusted correctly
the geometry and tension are absolutely critical for the transmission to be happy. erik shows you how to adjust it properly after installing it in the Black Widow...
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Copyright GODSPEED Garage, LLC. 2019 All Rights Reserved
*Disclaimer - This video is intended for entertainment only. GODSPEED Garage, LLC, or anyone involved in making this video is not responsible for any damage to person or property that may occur attempting this on your own. You assume all responsibility for your own safety as well as use of your property.

[@maxwolthuis]

Dude.... you just showed all of KZbin how to be a true bro. God bless you and America

[@ytwhite5930]

Wish I would have found and watched this about 20 yrs. ago...

[@erikstrawn3885]

I swapped out my original transmission for a junkyard transmission a couple years ago and referred to your video. Just now I finished swapping the junkyard transmission out for the rebuilt original transmission and had to refer to your video again. I'm so glad you posted this!

[@joymccoskey-fq6id]

Great tip. No long explanation. Just the facts. Thanks

[@pjofurey6239]

Love it.been mopar 727 for a life time, just scored a 47 STUDEBAKER PUT with a 700r4… time to test,time play, time to burn more tyres away. Thanks man.keep em coming

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

thanks for watching!!!

[@thrillbilly2474]

Good video, only issue I could think of with the whole “shift at 20mph” is different vehicles have different gear ratios in axles

[@resistorstudios]

Thats because this is not the correct way to do this. Different 700r4s will have a different governor spring/weight combination that will yield varying shift points. The cable is there to maintain proper line pressure with proper throttle arc radius measured with a pressure gauge that screws into the side of the transmission. The only way to change shift points is change the springs and weights in the governor assembly.

[@clydebethatway7485]

You should make a video on adjusting that transmission and those governors you’re talking about

[@santanaman6783]

​@@resistorstudiosgood info okay so where would I find this info your talking about?!? Thank you

[@resistorstudios]

@santanaman6783 which info? WOT shifts or setting line pressure?

[@mikepeters7847]

Thanks! I looked everywhere for this explanation and you killed it! Glad I found you.

[@Ruststored]

Just found your video. Good job on explaining how the TV cable works. It’s backwards from how I would think it works. I’m using a TCI universal cable and the instructions suck.

[@jeffsedlick2978]

I have to look at this cable now. When I give it extra gas and my rpms increase suddenly, it feels like the truck overrevs and stalls for a brief second or goes straight into overdrive. This video will get me started. Thank you sir.

[@garretthorsch8143]

Wow haha. This is exactly what I needed. Bought an old 85 c10 that had a new transmission but the TV cable was out of whack so it wouldn’t go into overdrive. So thankfully you made this video

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

glad it helped! THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@supersix-four9509]

How much did you adjust it?? I have no overdrive currently

[@RWC-lc7on]

This has got to be the best described video i watched. Im from a th350 to 700r4 and im not a mechanic by any means. This helped..

[@synthpro]

Great video! I have a 85 corvette and the setup for the TV cable has never been clear to me, (not well explained even in the factory service manual). Thanks again and awesome truck!

[@kj9219]

Sheez, I adjusted my TV cable and got a much clearer picture. Thanks!

[@tremayne3]

Ha ha ...nice ! :)

[@domerrothstein6943]

My boy just saved me my sanity. My 86 El Camino did not like RPMs. Tighten the cable and now we have an RPM party. THANK YOU!

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Great to hear!

[@marcanthonysuazo]

U could also tell by how hard or soft the shifts are between gears .. should be firm smooth shifts throughout.. make sure sufficient fluid aswell

[@daxtonbrown]

Thanks, that's exactly where I'm stuck om my 700r4 from 400 in my 67 Camaro.

[@deadhorsegarage928]

Looks like you got a good transmission. So far I haven't had to mess with the TV cable on any of my stuff. Good show keep it up

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

@Jason Boswell yep it seems to be running well! I have to do the lockout wiring next... be sure to subscribe to see that video too! thanks for watching!

[@americanelectric9666]

My trans was late shifting (revving up before shifting from 1 to 2) I heard a new (TPS) Throttle Position Sensor could fix this problem. I almost paid $40 when i saw this video. I went to look at my TV Trans cable and found that it wasn't snapped into place at the Throttle body. IT WAS ONLY OFF BY LESS THAN A 1/4 INCH! And that caused all this bad shifting.

[@scrappyrappydo9717]

Fishing weights help very well as well.

[@mibars]

Thank you. I'm adjusting my cable in a 1990 Suburban and started with the book method of pushing the plastic end all the way in and allowing it to ratchet out at WOT and got mixed results: It now shifts better, but feels like bit too late and it struggles to stay in overdrive at around 60 mph. I've just loosened it about that much that you've shown and will see.

[@LarsonFamilyFarm-LLC]

Thank you...i knew this was where the speed transmission gear adjust was....but i didn't know which cable direction loose or tighter to get into 2nd gear quicker....which would be looser for me.

[@cockasorrus7475]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge brudda! Good tip on marking the position as well. I always thought you get the main setting by WOT then basically dial it in as you’ve mentioned. Great ride!! Take care!!

[@pierre-yveslavigne9688]

I bought a corvette 1984 whit a burned transmission...whit a fresh engine carb swap...will check that cable for sure...

[@nsswitcher]

Excellent ! My cable was way to loose; tightened it up . Thank you

[@Cataklixxx]

very useful vid cause in my truck when i first got it my dad tightened the tv cable all the way up and i was 10 so power was cool and it would shift out hard asf and then we were cruising hit it and tranny went byebye with the driveshaft

[@KJK_ATX]

Thanks brother; I hadn't figured out the fine tune adjustment yet.

[@lh1678]

Awesome job bro. I wish that youtube was around back in the late 90's/early 2000's. I had a 91 Pontiac TA black with the gold honeycomb wheels that had a 700R4. It ran fine for a while and did at least a 20+foot long burnout. I had to get rid of it cause the trans was not shifting out of what felt like first or second? Got pulled over by a cop once when I first bought the car back when the trans was ok but still not going into OD. He was unmarked and on my ass when I was minding my own business..so I decided to hammer down..and he pulled me over saying that I was going over 100mph. I knew that was BS cause the car never really shifted right.

[@edwardojr2838]

Dude u saved my a**! I just put a B&M 700r4 in my 1971 C20, not one other KZbin video- OR written instructions from multiple manufacturers mentioned the spring in line with the tv cable! I appreciate you very much and this video. 🍻

[@kevingathers4845]

Good post, I just purchased edelbrock carburetor and throttle bracket is different got the right one now but I still have to fix adjustment on transmission cable. This is a big help.👍😎

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad it helped THANKS FOR WATCHING!

[@shawnboren2933]

Good to know! I'm swapping out a 350 to a 700r4 next week and will make sure the mechanic knows about this. He builds race cars and should know but it never hurts to ask for sure! Thank You!

[@lasvegasbadboyz]

This is a huge help for my son & I and his 94 z28 kick down cable adjustment. Thank you👍

[@XAllky]

Comment, Liked, Subscribed!!! Thanks so freaking much for that video!!! Finally explained and Understood!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!

[@Mike-xt2ot]

Great tutorial! Thanks. I appreciate your input. Alot better than any other video on TV adjustment.

[@fiero11]

Learned more from your video than 3 or 4 others I watched. It might not have been my transmission model, but the set up is the same. Thanks for the info!

[@santiagoelias6172]

Great video..especially the fine adjustment on the tension of that TV cable..that black widow classic .truck is kool AF!...sure wish I never let my '56 small window go...someday...another will cross my path..thanks

[@user-pc5on7id3h]

Very helpfull video.Thank you for this!Keep up the good work!Greetings fron Greece!

[@orionburton3829]

A tip, whe you pull (nicely) that steel cable, you'll feel a some kind of (brake) but it's to short, thats the point of tension. Just do it slow and nicely. After an accident we're my truck completely die, im building a "new" old truck. SALUDOS desde México. I suscribe!

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

great advice hermano!! muchas gracias!!

[@benjaminmeadows1380]

Bought a cable was too long bought another 1 like 1 came with it done swap nether less never installed one what a pain wish done wright one in first place but hard to adjust s10 blazer had junk 2.8 like your videos motor looks nice 🙂

[@aaronroberts4264]

I learn something new about the transmission I didn't know

[@jeremylaxton6826]

Thank you so much for your expertise! Went to carburated on my 5.7l crate engine with edelbrock perfomer dual plane intake and a 1406 carb. It does just what you're talking about with throttle pedal and shif point. I need to put a spring on mine because it shifts at different speeds depending on throttle position. Not wanting to burn up this transmission. Thanks

[@santanaman6783]

Shoot I've been needing this info for many years now that I've given my son the truck I can help him find tune the shifting

[@jimclarke1108]

Exactly what i needed to know, im replacing a TH180 with a TH 700r

[@UndergroundTrev]

Thanks for the info. Well done video. My recent "ran when parked" purchase doesn't have third or fourth gear. My TV cable is way loose and has a micky mouse bracket someone made. I'll try adjustment, but I'm guessing it's too late for the trans.

[@415fillmore]

I just tuned in for the last 3 seconds when he said like, subscribe, comment share with your friends. And I did them all

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

THANK YOU!

[@Raven4122]

Thank you very informative Im getting a 700r but was worried about how to set up cable.. thanks again

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad it helped

[@keitht6557]

Good info. No goofy filler nobody cares about. Good on you.

[@free100x]

I would like to add a pro tip, and that many of the companies have the hole to be used on the carb or injection is WRONG, as well as the distance from the center of the pivot point to the center of the hole to attach the TV cable. They are saying or using a one inch center usually. The cable connector pin's mounting location must be established on the throttle bellcrank at a radius of 1.094 to 1.125 inches. That 1/8 of inch makes a difference in how much and how fast that cable gets pulled lowering pressures in the transmission with a slower pull. So make sure that the TV pin is 1.125 inches, from the center of the arms pivot on the injector or carb and NOT just 1 inch. I bought a new Street Demon carb and the hole they said in their instructions was only 1 inch from the pivot point, but the hole behind it was the correct 1.125 inches. It seems to be a very common mistake.

[@docsmallblock6584]

How about if you're into the throttle, like if you're denting the floor board with your gas pedal, where should it shift then? P.S. I ran mine without the cable hooked up at all for like 3 or 4 months, wouldn't shift unless I let off the gas like a 4speed , but could shift it manually with no problem. Didn't hurt the trans at all?! It is a built r4 by Transco out of Florida, guess they do good work cuz it's still going up to a 406 with a little nitrous! I didn't know who did it till I seen a sticker on the trans that says "Transco". 6yrs now, still going strong!

[@mr.moparhemi4134]

Awesome video🙌 very informative! 👍 I inherited my father's 70 Jaguar XKE with an LT1 and had a turbo 400 with a B&M shift kit, used to bark the tires when you hit second🤗 but then he swap that out and wanted it more streetable as you did and put a 700 R4, but now it shifts as if the tranny is slipping? I will try and adjust it.. hopefully that is the problem.🤞🤞 Thanks for the great video. 🙌👍🙌

[@govsux1]

wow dude this is exactly what I needed to know thank you for taking the time to do these videos I know it must take a lot more time than people realize.

[@TheShadeManGuitar]

I put a aftermarket throttle body on my 305tpi and noticed it shifting early as heck. Gunna try to tighten this cable up

[@jimking9338]

God Bless you , so well explained in plain english . Thank You

[@caseycunningham1355]

Awesome video got my TV cable dialed in on my firebird and she is ripping 🤟

[@GorillaHouseFrenchies]

Thank you soo much this is going to help a lot been trying to figure how to fix the tv cable on my 1985 chevy Silverado.

[@juice1999]

Really great video and Nice Truck !!! Thank you for taking time to make such a detailed video on TV cable position. Keep up the good work

[@calebphalen9225]

Thanks dude for keeping it straight forward.

[@jeffduncan6825]

Great video thanks for showing great detail

[@Bigsbeee]

Wicked vid - No BS just delivers the good's. Thank you

[@Mountainpageproductions]

I love you it's all in the same I been beating my head into a wall messing with timing thanks

[@cyrusvirus6928]

after i burned my 200r4, i do a tv plunger visual inspection test along with a pressure test. i’m using the sonnax corrector plate and bracket for holley. according to sonnax the inner cable should have a 1.40” (1-13/32”) pull from idle to wot.

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

great info! thanks for sharing

[@cyrusvirus6928]

also folks, refer to the gm stock pressure readings unless your trans was built by an aftermarket company. slightly higher pressure than stock is better than low pressure. low = 🔥. and make sure your pedal truly achieves WOT

[@KnuckleHeadGarage27]

The way u have that done at the end is exactly how my 85 s10 2.8v6 with 4l60 trans shifts and it has over drive too

[@KnuckleHeadGarage27]

Goes in over drive 4th at around 40mph or so

[@reece7259]

@@KnuckleHeadGarage27 My 1990 chevy 1500 with 700r4 also doesnt go into overdrive until 40 mph and if it goes under 40 it drops down to 3rd

[@KnuckleHeadGarage27]

@@reece7259 yeah mine does same thing . I kinda hate it cause of high rpm if I have to do 35mph on some roads . I know a ford I had would go into over drive at like 35 or something like that but probably wasn't supposed to idk but I wish mine would kinda go into over drive at 35mph . But then I have to have a 5 speed auto to do that

[@briangerber3603]

Excellent How to and easy to understand. 1 question are you manually locking the torque converter as well ?

[@govsux1]

Just in case somebody needs to know... the TCC solenoid just needs 12v you can hook a switch up to manually do so but be aware if it's not going through the 4th gear solenoid in the trans it will stay in lock up when you stop.

[@747bandit1]

THANK YOU FOR THE RELAXED. YET SUPER INFORMATIVE TIPS FOR SETTING SUCH AN IMPORTANT ADJUSTMENT. The BEST to you and YOURS!

[@matthewburkhart142]

I concur with the last statements, thank you sir!

[@_Common_Logic_]

An assload of relevant information without the silly nonsense, or an overproduced intro... Wish I could shake your hand! (Subbed).

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

thanks for subscribing!!! glad it was helpful. I try to edit my videos to be concise and informative... it's a fine balance.

[@dota9925]

Be aware that a reason that the cable stretches beyond what the fine adjustment can fix may be because strands are breaking. They like to rust out, and they'll do it a strand or two at a time.. Might be worth the $20-30 to replace it. The spring for after market carb is brilliant! Obviously, the throttle attachment point should be correctly engineered for the expected range of motion.. but.. well, let's just say a spring seems like wonderfully cheap and elegant insurance for an after market.

[@chuckg9805]

You must have big gonads to hold a cable lock right above those monster venturi's!!! Great video and lots of good info.

[@rev.jimwalton9383]

thanks for the video, I really appreciate the info...easy to understand!

[@getinold]

Really good explaination from installation to adjusted, thanks

[@crouchingwombathiddenquoll5641]

You bloody legend , thank you so much . The best ,to the point explanation on KZbin. Peace n love from Australia ✌🏼🇦🇺🌏

[@davidrobertson7069]

Good job on this somewhat confusing issue that most GM car guys will experience.

[@masterimages1]

good video - perfect amount of details to adjust TV cable.

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sincityraid3rs993]

Was up bro. Already subscribed nice job. Next week I’m painting my white walls like on your other vid. Thanks

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

SWEEEEET!!! thanks for subscribing and watching!! hope the white walls turn out great for you! I've done it several times and have had good results. people are always shocked in disbelief that it's paint and not "actual" whitewalls... thanks again! go RAIDERS!

[@ArmoredCore5000]

Thanks for the video sir, this is exactly what I needed! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@leereppert485]

The TV cable mount has a button . Press it to move the cable back and forth.

[@jimmoi8534]

Thanks Bud ive only seen valve body kits or electronic conversions $$$$$

[@usmarine9972]

Good video! answered all my questions on the 700R4

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad I could help!

[@terryhunter2526]

Thanks brother just what I needed to know

[@strattuner]

the tv cable is the most critical adjustment on your car, if it gets loose for too long you will walk soon,this cable controls line pressure and tells the unit how hard to shift,if it breaks you'll have nothing but low gear and reverse and they will harsh,the tv cable on hydraulic units is real touchy,after building automatics for 47 years,pay attention to this man he's trying to warn you.warned

[@mattc9875]

Hi there, just got a 1985 C5 with this issue, prior owner did a carb swap from tpi but apparently didn't properly set up the tv cable/brackets for the 700R and car does fist and hardly engages on 2nd, reverse also works, I'm not driving it to avoid further damage. Is this a sign that the trans is already gone in your experience? Will get correct bracket kit and adjustment on it soon.

[@strattuner]

@@mattc9875 BEINGS you are smarter than most,stopping the driving may have saved the internals,only way to check is pull the pan,look for any signs of metal dust and clutch material,the intermediate band is a selective pin,C5 vettes already have the good stuff in them,as i stated in my first statement the TV cable is a very sensitive adjustment,once set it'll give years of use,but i adjust them every other year,replace them every 85k miles,they wear the inside of the cable housing and stick and cause wierd shifts,check pan and you'll know the extent of damage if any,good luck

[@mattc9875]

@@strattuner thanks, really appreciated pal, I wish car people around here were half as knowledgeable as you and this guy in the video

[@strattuner]

@@mattc9875 LOT OF SCHOOL PARD,ALL MY LIFE,SEMINARS AND MANY HOURS OF STUDY AT GM CHRY AND FORD TRAINING CENTERS,YOU ARE WHAT YOU DO,YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY

[@pokeypigg3931]

Hello, my '83 C10 is shifting waayyy too early (5-10mph), can this damage my transmission???

[@mr.pickles810]

I'm up in Chicago mornings and nights at this time is low 30's anyway my truck when I start it and run it a few mins. I put it in drive and it won't shift till 2000 rpms won't go into second gear till 2000-2500 rpms. I'm having carb issues it needs a rebuild I'm thinking of Edelbrock intake and carb. It's a 83 Chevy c20 350 hd/ 700r4 overdrive

[@mr.pickles810]

I also just got a new transmission from trans shop. Could the late shifting be the TV cable. I know I'm having carb issues especially the automatic choke. I'll need to rebuild the Rochester 4bbl

[@salgoodman9251]

Perfect video dude! Keep up the good work! -PROJECT HELLPIG

[@JM-xi8uz]

Perfectly explained....

[@kevinferrell7033]

I have a 1991 C1500 silverado. 350 /700r4 trans. TBI SET UP I think my cable is set right from pushing the plunger all the way back then pressed my gas to the floor. Problem is It shifts into what feels like 4TH/OD but all b4 you get to 28 30 mph and then keep going up to 55 60 but it dont shift out then to what should be od at that speed. I have put a new Gov. New VSS Sensor, New brake switch Tried a new cable, changed fluid and filter and nothing changed. Its fine if you want to cluck around 40 45 but I wouldnt want to ride it on the interstate like this. You can tell at 55 60 it needs that one more shift and rpms to go down somewhat. So with all that done. No change, So I unhooked the tv cable from the carb. and tried it just for a mile or so and even then it made no change in the way it had been shifting. Same thing. You would think that should have made a big or some difference in the shifting part with the tv cable unhooked from the carb. completely. I need Help... Ps while riding after it has went to od at 30 35 i can hold my foot on the gas while pressing lightly on the brake and you can fell it unlocking/rpms rise a little and I also dont have passing gear. It will kick back down to 3rd while pressing the gas to say go up a small hill then shift out as u let off the gas but still no passing gear. All Help Appreciated. I dont know what else to do. Its my only ride so i need some help. Even used Lucas Transmission when i changed fluid and filter. I just need some Help here...

[@chuys53chevytruck60]

Great videos your exploration 💯🙌.. I just put 700r4 on my 60 chevy i bin fighting the adjustment 1st to second feels good 2d to 3d ok but im not feeling 4th ??? I have moved n adjusted im stuck almost afraid to drive truck i dont want burn it up Any suggestions

[@benrodriguez3066]

Super helpful and informative... thanks a bunch

[@johnmcote]

Hey! Thanks for the video. I think i have my tv cable adjusted properly now in the Jeep... It shifts where i want it to, but the problem I'm having is that it won't downshift when i mash the pedal. Is this possibly a stuck valve in the governor? Or did i not adjust the tv cable properly? 🤔 Thanks! Great video!

[@timharris6782]

Got a Edelbrock carburetor for my 700R4 I needed some advice on adjusting on a 69 Chevy pickup thanks

[@funforall9741]

Great video, wish i found it before i burned up my trans

[@VintageJunker]

Good video, call Monster Transmission this morning to get details on this which lead me to you. I hope a new cable is all I need in my 89 Suburban big block. Thanks

[@highway445]

Thanks for the 411 my friend

[@gusdaman4994]

Can you tell bout the nut you used after cutting the cable

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

it's just a cable nut I picked up from Ace. your local hardware store should have one. basically just a tube that slips over the cable, then 2 bolts you tighten to keep it in place.

[@solmora6495]

I saw a guy he always works on cars he said the way to adjust the atv cable is open throttle body all the way the atv cable should be Out all the way

[@thetruthisoutthereyt]

Thank you.

[@casperpffppobob590]

hey thanks for the tip, helped me do it right

[@loydfogelman7230]

Thank you for the help you’re awesome man keep up the good work

[@craigstreetzel7743]

just make sure that it is on the right side of the linkage and then it will self adjust

[@kasems1536]

Thank so much, from Bangkok.,,,,,

[@justinriley8651]

legend has it Nobody has found one of those barrel nuts. go ask somebody at home depot for one I dare you! 😆 🤣

[@martysomoco]

Excellent informative video! Thank you.

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@macpherson3182]

best explanation ive found thanks

[@GODSPEEDGarage]

Glad it helped!