was wondering if it would be possible to leave kickdown disconnected and just manually shift it or would that cause problems? fluid travel?

You need to have the linkage connected. Even if you manually shift, the lack of linkage will cause servo apply pressures to be too low, greatly accelerating transmission wear

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

The only time it is ok to remove the "kickdown" linkage, is when using a full manual valve body in the trans, or a "shift kit" that allows a full manual conversion. (transgo TF-3)

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

If you need to drive the car to a shop for some reason without having the linkage hooked up, you can wire back the kickdown lever about half way. This is only something temporary to do until the linkage can be fixed. Don't drive at full throttle this way or leave the car like this for an extended period.

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'68 Dodge Dart 4dr Sedan

muchas gracias!!