B250 Transmission not shifting

[Bigmike1161]

Hey guys new member here. My grandfather past away several years ago and he had a 1983 dodge b250 conversion van with the 318 carbed engine. It has 33,000 actual miles on it. My grandfather never used it and basically let it sit for about 20 years. Last time it was registered was 1995. My dad always loved it and wanted to have it running. I slowly started bringing it back to life. New carb, new brakes, battery, tune up, oil, etc, etc. its running and it’ll stop now. But cant get it to change gears. I dropped the pan, changed the filter, and topped it back off. Still no joy. My question to you guys is how does this tranny work. What tells it to shift? Can you guys lead me in the right direction? Any help is appeciated. My dad is getting older and has little to no mechanical knowledge. It would mean a lot to him if I get get the old van running and driving again. Thanks

 

[crazzywolfie]

have you checked the trans fluid level while the engine is running while in neutral? should shift no matter what but it is usually a matter of what rpm depending on how you got the kick down linkage adjusted.

 

[Bigmike1161]

Yes sir. I checked it and it comes up to the line on the dipstick

 

[Bigmike1161]

I did put a new carb on it. Does the kickdown change the gears or just tell it to down shift when I give it more gas?

 

[crazzywolfie]

most people miss the part about checking it in neutral. it will shift without the kickdown but it will usually shift very early if it is not hooked up and depend on how it is adjusted it can cause it to shift very late. i got my 89 setup to shift very late since it has no 2nd gear but if you haven't messed with th linkage other than remove from 1 carb and hook up to another it shouldn't be an issue. have you tried getting it up to 35-40mph and see if it would shift?

 

[Bigmike1161]

Im gonna give that a try and get back to you. Rpms where getting pretty high. Also going to check the fluid again in neatral