700R4 swap

[olblue81]

Background - I've had my 700r4 for several years now. Don't know a pile of details on the swap since a shop did the build and install for me. I do know they used the same crossmember and driveshaft and since my 81 had a lockup converter from the factory it was an easy swap parts wise.

One thing that has bugged me since is the fact that I can't force the trans into 1st gear. I pull the column shifter all the way down and it goes to second. So when you get on it hard, the tranny shifts 1st gear 1000 rpm early or so, then I can manually shift 2nd on up.

I was reading this link http://www.hotrodlane.cc/77chevytruck/77chevy.htm on installing a LS1/4L60 into a 77 and they mention not being able to pull the trans into low. I've been told I can adjust the linkage so that it is possible to manually shift all the gears. Wondering if anyone knows if this is correct. I'm thinking if it was, S&P would have figured this out and adjusted it.

Or are there separate linkages for factory OD trucks?

Also, is there a repair kit to fix the shift indicator? That little cable sawed through the plastic years ago.