Thats it folks. Your JMOD transmission upgrade is finished. I spent a total of about $150.00 in parts, and about 4 hours labor. I had the luxury of using a lift at "Big Johnson's Auto Repair" in Santa Rosa.

I also had the help of John Schmidt. aka JOHNAEC, a well known icon on the Lincoln and Thunderbird websites. This job would not have gone near as smoothly as it did without John's help. He supplied all the literature from the TCCOA website, Jerry's thesis, as well as the specialty tools required(drill bits, torque wrench, C-clamp, snap-ring pliers), not to mention his handy-work when it comes to messy jobs.

John, I cannot thank you enough. You went above the call of duty, and I consider you one of my true friends. I am honored to be a member of the LOD-NCA, a car club that just wouldnt be the same without you.

Craig Hartquist
Vice President
Northern California Chapter
Lincolns Of Distiction,
and proud supporting member of the www.MarkVIII.org AND www.Mark8.org communities.

UPDATE!!!
As you recall, I elected to leave the lower spring out of the 1-2 shift accumulator assembly for "firmer" shifts. Well after a few days of driving the car, I was concerned that the 1-2 shifts were TOO firm. The JMOD did exactly what it is supposed to do. It made the shifts very quick with no noticeable slippage. But since I left the lower spring out of the 1-2, the shifts became alot firmer than I had anticipated. So much firmer that I was concerned that perhaps it would cause un-wanted driveline damage. U-joints, half-shafts, CV joints, or worse, internal transmission components. After all, I had performed all the work to ensure longevity of the transmission, not to destroy it.
Well, today I decided to get back under the car, drop the pan, and install the lower spring in the 1-2 shift accumulator assembly.

I am very pleased with the end result. The car shifts exactly the way I wanted it to. It now shifts firm enough at W.O.T.(wide open throttle) that it easily "chirps" the tires. But during normal driving, the shifts are quick and firm, but not so firm that I am worried about anything sustaining damage. The perfect combination of performance, comfort, and efficiency. The JMOD is a complete success.

If anyone is considering eliminating the lower 1-2 spring with a JMOD upgrade, be prepared. The shifts are very harsh. You will easily break the rear tires loose during heavy accelleration. This is what alot of people are looking for. Just be sure your driveline is up to snuff to handle the extreme change in shift performance.

I was looking for something I have never had before. I wanted sharp shifts, with no slippage between gears. I wanted to "Chirp" my tires under heavy accelleration. I wanted to have shifts that were not extreme, but close to normal during every day driving. I wanted all this without worrying about excessive wear to the internal components of the transmission, or the driveline components.

The JMOD gave me everything I wanted, and more. You should expect perfection. I had no idea the car would be so much more fun to drive.

THANKS JERRY!