ALDA adjustment, what a difference!
 

Finally got around to doing my Alda adjustment. Waited to do my oil change, fuel filters, valve adjustment, cleaned alda banjo and trans fluid and filter. Turned it all the way CCW and then backed off and 1/8th


Acceleration power is on tap, no more "lag". No black smoke on heavy accel or at idle I might add

If you have not done so, give it a try after the car is prepped


Now my next project is to get the cars shifts a little firmer, it does not slip or flare at all, just wayyy to smooth for my taste (or is this how it should be?)

Whoo Hoo!!

Supposed to shift smooth, sorry.

Lower vacuum to the transmission, you can adjust the VCV. You'll get harder shifts, but maybe a problem too.

I guess it couldn't have been any of the other stuff you did? Especially if the banjo bolt was clogged?

No, I drove for about 100 miles before deciding to do the Alda adjustment

My '83 SD shifted really firm before I did three things. I blocked off the EGR's vacuum line, replaced the 3/2 valves' actuator arms. The old ones were worn completly down. And I cleaned the banjo bolt and checked the line was clear. She runs much better though black smoke was never really bad except on hard acceleration. Now the trans shifts are still firm but much smoother than previous.

In adjusting the ALDA you loosen the lock nut and turn the adjusting screw? Littlehadegan you stated turn in fully CCW and back CW 1/8 turn. I'm hesitant as I've read many posts that adjusting the ALDA caused issues. I need to do some more searching before feeling comfortable.

I read a ton of posts before deciding to do it, I am sure someone will chime in.

Some people even completely remove the ALDA

Some say to turn 1/4 ccw and test drive, and to back off when it makes excessive black smoke under acceleration or idle.

With mine all the way CCW and about an 1/8th CW, I am getting no visible black smoke at idle or under heavy acceleration

look up posts on how to adjust the bowden cable. It will raise the shift points...

If you want to go all the way, remove the ALDA ad use the port on the manifold for a boost gauge. Then you control the amount of smike with your foot :-)

3/2 valves don't have anything to do with shift points. Don't believe me? unplug them and try yourself! I took mine off after I replaced the arms and nothing changed. So I looked it over and read a wonderful tranny thread that confirmed they are only for the EGR. Now I suppose if you had a leaky EGR valve, the vacuum leak could draw off enough to affect shifting.....