Got an issue installing my FE/C-6 into my '66 F-100, about the shift lever on the side of the transmission. It came out of a car, which apparently had a different linkage system.
The lever on the side is pointing down and forward at a 45 degree angle when in Park.
It points almost straight down in Drive, and points well to the rear when in 1st or Low.
I can tell the automatic column shifter won't be able to shift it all the way to low without binding, and may not even get it to Drive without trouble.
It is probably easier to fix before I install the transmission, right?!

I compared it to my son's '72 F-100, with a 360/C6 combination. The shift lever is parallel to the ground when in Park, and almost straight down when in 1st. His truck's dimensions are almost identical to the '65 and '66, so it is a reasonable comparison.
How do I change out the lever on the side for one parallel to the ground?
I took the kickdown lever off, and the side lever goes into the case, but I see no way to get it out, or to rotate it to the proper position for my truck.
Thanks in advance for the help.
PS: A floor shifter is not a viable option.

 

If it anything like my C4, U will have to take out the valve body and unbolt it and turn it from the inside of the case.

 

You can drop the pan and take the linkage out from the inside, turn it around, put it back and it will work perfectly. Been there, done that.