Transmission linkage problem, cant get low gear with slapstick, help!

[71 RT]

Any help would be appreciated on this one!
I took out my 727 automatic, and when I hooked it back up to the slapstick shifter linkage, I can no longer lock it into low gear.  It shows 1st gear on the selector, but it is really not in 1st, its in 2nd.  I thought the problem was in the linkage adjustment, so I adjusted hte linkage all the way to the "rear" of the car, and still no low, it is like I need another inch or 2 in the linkage to make it work, but the rod is adjusted all the way back.  I am confused becuase ir worked just great before I took I took it out, and now the linkage rod appears to be too short.  I know this must have happened to somebody else besides me, anyone have a clue before I cut and weld in a couple more inches of linkage? 

[mopar_madman]

Will you get 1st when its kicks down automatically? or just when you use the shifter it doesn't work? Check and make sure the linkage isn't hanging up on something? was the trans rebuilt or anything done to it? Did you loosen any of the shifter bolts?  just some ideas

[71 RT]

The kickdown still will work, I just cant maually shift into low with the slapstick. 

[bluesfool]

make sure the lever that attaches to the transmission is on square and tightened down as far as you can get it. If it's loose and there's play, that's your problem.

[John_Kunkel]

You need to disconnect the linkage and run the transmission shift lever by hand making sure it has all of the detents (1 is all the way forward and Park is all the way back) and that there is no slop in the lever.

If the shift lever is OK the problem is in the shifter. Is the shift lever on the trans the correct one for the shifter? A lever that is too long will increase the shifter travel beyond the limits of the quadrant.

Also, make sure that all of the plastic bushings are in place in the shift linkage; worn/missing bushings will make it hard to get all of the gears.

[TylerCharger69]

Try  putting the shift linkage  all the way forward by hand, and then put the shifter in the "1" position....then tighten the linkage......That should be proper...

[71 RT]

Thanks for the ideas!  Yes, it is the correct shifter linkage.  I have tryied to adjust it many times, but no luck.  I am going to try and make sure the lever on the transmission does not have any slop in it this week, I appreciate all of the advice.  I will get it right sooner or later!!  Thanks again!

[Chryco Psycho]

the lever could be wrong on the tranny , the slapstick used a shorter lever