Am I installing the steering linkage wrong?

[WH23G3G]

I'm trying to install the steering linkage. I'll fully tighten what I have to, but if I can avoid tightening everything I would like to. I don't want it to get in the way when I install the engine/trans combo, but I need every available free space in my tiny garage so I need to at least put it on there so nothing gets misplaced. I've put together the tie rods and I'm installing them in the correct orientation, but getting the center link in the pitman arm stud is proving to be very difficult. Not to mention so cumbersome I can't hold it up and try to get a nut on the stud. I'm installing it with the word GEAR up onto the pitman arm stud, which is really difficult to get in. It appears to be in the same orientation as the illustration in the parts catalog, and repair guide shows. If I swap so the word GEAR is on the idler arm side everything fits easier and cant be mounted. But is that right? Is the center link side specific. I would think the GEAR stamped on the centerlink meant that it would go on the pitman arm because its bolted to the gearbox and the idler arm is bolted to the frame.

[Back N Black]

These pics help?

[Steve P.]

Another question.. Why not install the motor and tranny on the "K" member and drop the body over the works?? This is how it's done at the factory and how you can be assured not to scar up your paint angling in the tranny.

[WH23G3G]

I don't have much space. I have a very small garage. With the Charger in the garage there's only a few inches on the driver's side to work on. On my 73 they use different upper control arms that bolt over the stub frame if I remember right, it might be harder to do the motor and K-frame assembly. I was trying to finish the entire chassis, interior, and what body work I could do and then the very last thing put the motor and transmission in as a unit. I've asked some of the Mopar guys in my area and they say that's the way they have done it in the past and it's easier. But my paint doesn't look anything like that, everything's VHT Epoxy rattle can gloss black or satin black. It's all  been blasted and properly cleaned and painted, it just won't look as good and last as long. But mine isn't correct to begin with. I still havent gotten the steering linkage together. I'm going to wait until my mechanic friend comes to help finish the spot on my trunk we welded up.