auto trans shifter-linkage problem

[seawolf71]

Hi-I rebuilt the auto shiftgate,following the tech manual instructions BUT with the adjustment on the linkage rod all the way back-making the rod as short as possible-it is still too long!I have the car flat on all four tires with blocks underneath them so that I can get under the car (71 280SL) I have loosend the the supplementary lever but the selector rod is still too long. I have the transmission supported exactly where it would be when the support plate was on. The only possible reason I can think of is that I've reversed the auto shiftgate when I rebuilt it .Is there a way to tell which is the front? Any help would would be great                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         thanks Bill

[seawolf71]

  I'm still unsure about which is the front of the shiftgate. there is a small notch on the rectangular plate-in the tech manual sometimes appears to be on the front but some pictures show it on the back-can I just reverse this plate or must I disassemble the whole thing? Also some pics show linkage on the right (passengers) side and others on the left. I can't see how it would work on the drivers side. I started this project 2 years ago but had to stop for health reasons so my memory on this is weak. Can anybody shed some light? I would appreciate any help. Thanks Bill 71280SL Automatic

[seawolf71]

 Dan- thank you so much for your help with the linkage problem I did reverse the auto shiftgate -when I took it apart and switched it around everthing lined up! If I had read the tech manual before I took it apart, I would have done it right the first time. Thanks again!    Bill 71 280SL