Jeff,

So you think I'm that smart, huh? Actually, I was not as I was trying to get the nut from the top. But when I saw the nut from a different angle and how difficult it was to get from the top, I saw my box of crow's feet. But good tip nonetheless for the next person who tries this.

Arlo: I broke the nut pretty cleanly from the shaft. See pic. I'm going to take a look tomorrow evening where the end of the bowden cable terminates into the cabin. I'm going to drive my 4runner tomorrow just to be safe

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Yikes, better replace that soon. The brittle plastic will easily yield.

Slightly OT but still related, I adjusted the similar nut on the 300TE throttle linkage mechanism and it readily downshifts now when I stab the pedal. I did the same with our 300D years back and it gave a much better driving response especially when in spirited mode. I don't know if this is how the car is supposed to feel but I certainly hope so because it feels so much better like this.

Before, I had to completely floor it in order to downshift. I didn't even know if I had to step on the kickdown switch to do so, but now I'm pretty sure I don't need the kickdown switch to downshift, since it does it even with a light stab of the pedal on our 300TE.

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

You know, when I adjusted the throttle cable nut, i thought i was adjusting the bowden nut because i felt better throttle response and downshifting. but it still was shifting at too high of an rpm range. i was looking for that "sweet spot", tuning both the bowden and throttle nuts. i believe i am close, but i broke that damn nut as you've read above

Bob,

Sorry about the adjusting hex.

'Drives me Crazy when I do that...I have to read all the instructions at least
three times when I'm working on a project.
1.To familiarize (And search for any booby traps).'Maybe the night before.
2.'Just before beginning...and as I work.
3.Check lists,in order.(nothing like my having to dis-assemble a fresh job to
re-install something I forgot!)

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'84 300SD sold
124.128

no worries, it was my own dumb fault. but you know, its 20 yr old plastic. had to go sometime. i bought a new one today along with some other misc parts that i've been putting off such as a thermostat and body plugs. also, i bought the superior shift kit so i can see if my K2 is busted like others. hopefully that will fix the slipping/flaring issues i have for 2 to 3 and 3 to 4