74 Duster 4 speed adjustments

If you removed the overcenter spring, then this is normal. On mine, I just installed a slightly stiffer anti-rattle spring underneath, to pull the TO fork forward towards the bell; anchor-holes are factory provided.
But this is not normal if the overcenter spring is still on there;you know, the big fat one on the pedal assembly.

A plastic TO carrier?!, I thought it looked odd, but I've never seen such a thing. That's whack!

Two things come to mind,
1)the TO must retract from the PP, or the continuous spinning will wear it out prematurely, and it may overheat.
2) You may not have to clutch it to the floor to provide enough plate departure to make the shift. With the recommended 1 inch freeplay at the top, seldom does the pedal require more than matbe 60 % of the remaining travel; except perhaps for reverse. Also, I don't run a full inch of freeplay. I run just enough to pull the TO off the PP. Adjustments are more frequent, but in my mind at least, the shift is faster,lol. Actually the departure starts sooner, ends sooner, and returns sooner, so my 64 year old leg can put in a good showing,lol.