I have a 1985 Corvette 4+3 so I am familiar with them.    I also supposedly have a 1986 4+3 transmission.   The ??TV cable?? or detent cable, I do not know which it is,  on the 1985 has about a 2 inch + pull but the ??1986?? cable has only about half that much pull and does not have the feel of the 85 which is like a 700R4 -- spring at end of pull.

Sooo, is this cable really a TV cable or just a downshift only cable that opens a valve and releases pressure on the OD clutches?

If only a downshift, can I just plug the hole forcing the valve closed and not use the downshift at all?   The 86 is not for a vette application.  I have searched the web and youtubes but have not found any reference to what it really is.  A downshift only or also a variable pressure regulator like a 700R4.  I did find in my Hanes book to reconnect the TV cable IF IT HAS ONE.  What years did not have one?

I will post a pic of my 85 and register it soon.  Thanks

Answering my own question.   My spare 4+3 is an 85 just like the one in my 85 vette.   I did get info from another forum that the tv cable does just soften the shift but is not necessary for use of the trans.  It was suggested to put a slight stationary pull on cable then plug.

I bought my 85 4+3 in 1997 - stiil have and drive it.  I maintain it and it performs as intended.  I bought the spare from a wrecked 85 in 1998 and properly stored it for later use in something.

About 3 months ago, I put the spare 4+3 in my 59 GMC 100.   I dumped the fluid and changed the filter about 8 years earlier.  All looked well.   Added ATF , my OD did not work in fact once in second or above and turning on OD -- it skidded the rear tires.   The transmission would lock.   

Finding out info on these DNE's is scarce.     Soooooo, I just drove it in direct drive for 3 months unhooking the solenoid.  My thinking was that the direct drive clutches were not releasing when the OD clutches were engaged and driving it in direct drive may loosen things up.

I was right -- wow --- yesterday I hooked the solenoid back up and went for a drive.   After shifting to second I clutched and engaged the OD, it slowed down then it finally engaged the OD.    Now it shifts in and out of OD fine.   

I will admit the shift is a little stiffer behind the 250 six in my 59 GMC ---- my 85 vette is a little softer behind the L98. 

I just rebuilt my first 350 TH and now have a better understanding of some auto trans.  With a video and instructions I would not be afraid to overhaul a DNE.

dennis

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Lemmie know how that works out for ya!!  lol There are special tools needed for the O/D section to both dis/re-assemble(tho I have created my own).

The planetary in the O/D section must be disassembled and re-assembled IN the transmission with the pinion gears in a specific location in relation to the planet carrier ("timed", if you will).

It is VERY easy to break the spring retainer for the O/D-Direct piston....and they're getting harder and harder to find these days.

Not saying you CAN'T do it, just pointing out it's a lot harder to do successfully than you might think. Done plenty of them....have the pile of scrap parts from the first one years ago to prove it. Even the Factory Service Manual is vague on a few points. Anyway, glad you got yours working!!

(btw...I firmly believe the biggest issue creating problems on the O/D section is the use of a FORD filter in it.....lol)

Joel Adams  
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