[Daves55Sedan]

[QUOTE=Merc Cruzer;2032611]You can adjust the firmness of the shift with the TV rod. Unscrewing the top "Y" piece, will make the rod longer, and will make the shift harder. Screwing it down, making the rod shorter, will make the shift softer. If you unscrew the top piece too far you will loose the kick down./QUOTE]
Having been familiar with the Fordomatic shop manual and adjustments of the kick-down shift rod, I would exercise great caution with the above.
My policy is: #1) use Dexron/Mercon fluid. #2) Adjust the kick down rod EXACTLY the way the shop manual calls for and do not make further adjustments just to mask something else possibly being wrong. Leave that adjustment alone after it has been corrected per the instructions in the shop manual. It says DAMAGE can result if the kick-down is adjusted too far.
I've been using Dexron/Mercon ATF since the mid '80's in both my Fordomatics. I has been flawless and long-lasting.