Like most articles I have read I also have sloppy 1963 F85 shifting from 1-2.
If I start in S the 1-2 shift is quite good in Hydramatic style. I can then manually shift from S to D smoothly (a little sluggish into D but acceptable).
However, if I start in D when it shifts from 1, the engine revs up, then it tries to bang into 2 or D then back out back in etc.
Can this be improved by linkage adjustment?
I also have damper plate spring rattle at very slow idle ~500 rpm. Set idle speed up to ~ 850 rpm and no rattle.
I guess as long as I shift manually the transmission shouldn't get damaged any worse.
I had a Hydramatic old timer tell me to try K&W Trans X. Has anyone tried this additive?

 

I also have a 63 f-85 and have figured mine out. Your problem seems

to be that your TV rod is too short. Thats the adjustable rod that's connect-

ed to the carb at one end and the trans link at the other. After trying for

several attempts I finally have a smooth 1-2 shift. The length of the TV

rod is just a little over 5 1/16 inches. This length is variable beween cars,

These automatics are sensitive to this adjustment,and it doesn't take

much( 1/8 inch or less)to get the right shift point.

 

Correct. The special Burroughs Tool gauges called out in the service manual are not really available, so I've resorted to trial and error. Just make small changes and test drive until you get acceptable shifts.