The (α, d) reactions on 24, 26Mg, 28,30Si, 32,34S, 36,38,40Ar and 42Ca at beam energies from 34 to 40 MeV were performed to search for ( f 7 2 2)7 + levels in order to confirm and extend systematics observed by previous investigators. Supplementary ( 3He, p) experiments on 24Mg, 28Si and 32S were also performed. DWBA calculations proved quite useful in interpreting the experimental results. In addition, the 25Mg(α,t) and 27Al(α, 3He) experiments were conducted to further distinguish the ( f 7 2 27 + states from ( d 5 2 f 7 2 )6 − levels in 26Al and 28Al. The latter states are expected to be populated with significant strength in (α, d) as are ( f 7 2 2)7 + states. A nearly linear dependence of the (α, d) Q-values to the 7 + states versus atomic mass holds for all the s-d shell nuclei studied here. This Q-value linearity ends as the f 7 2 shell begins to fill although regularities are still apparent. A systematic and similar behavior of ( d 3 2 )3 + states was also observed.