How does one adjust the throttle pressure ROD correctly?

the Chiltons manual says i need s "SPECIAL" guage only available from mercedes. Damn..

so what's the best was to do this without a guage?

My theory is that if I hold the throttle to full open and pull the rod till just before it stops then adjust the collar to fit over the pin it should work, right? please correct me if I'm wrong.

all my throttle linkages and slack rod are at factory specs. I have a NASTY
3-4 flare and an occasional 2-3 flare. I know my modulator is leaking, I know my VCV is good and adjusted correctly. I have a real bad slip in 4th gear: I'll be driving at speed, and if I want to accelerate AT ALL it'll flare unless I give it very gentle throttle pressure, but it's never really enough to pass anything on the highway, and it's intermittant. LOOOONG shifts when it's cold and the 3-4 is delayed between 30 - 45Kmh at moderate throttle ( like school zones )
and finally... should my transmission downshift at ANY point at all without hitting the switch? I've driven an 85 SD that did and it felt right.

I'm looking for a GOOOOD reason to rebuild this thing.

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RIP: 80 300SD
RIP: 79 450SEL
2002 E430 4matic (212,000km)
2002 ML500 'sport'

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