In a Trans

[kernelpanic]

Now that the weather is starting to get better up here in the northland I have driving the 77 300D non turbo some.
I am not at all familiarized with with the way this transmission operates. I have read most of the info I can find to try to understand it. Most all I see is on the newer vacuum operated 4 speed systems.
From what I see there are no vac lines going to this transmission, just a linkage from the throttle.
The kick down switch under the peddle seems to do nothing, disconnected it and tried jumping the wires and it does nothing. My shift points seem strange to me, but it may just be the way this older one is.??
0—20 1st gear. 20—30 2nd gear. 30 REAL soft engagement of 3rd.
30 mph seems to slow for 3 rd engagement to me, real lack of power. So some times I have been holding it in 2nd until
35 or 40 mph then pop it into drive. Doing this gives good acceleration. Under light load 1st to 2nd shifts sometimes snap your neck back, under a harder acceleration it is good.
Sure wish I had a Tac ! It “feels”(seat of the pants) like I may be over rev-ing it at speeds over 55mph. But that might just be me. I am use to my Jeep with the overdrive Transmission 65mph @ 1600 rpm almost idling down the road.

So if any one out there could give me some tips on how this unit works. Or is what I am describing normal for a 30 year old system.
Trans # 123 270 07.01 006414
Thank you for your time and help

[barry123400]

The only comment I have is that I will be changing the rear end ratio out on my 77 300d at some point. I agree they rev too high on the highway for my tastes. I think mine is quick enough to take a somewhat reasonable taller ratio.If I drive a 240d for a few days prior to driving the 300d it helps.